Rangers: Jack Butland could be England No.1 over Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale despite snub
Jack Butland has been "different class" for Rangers and is good enough to be England number one despite being left out of the squad, says Derek Ferguson.
The former Gers midfielder believes the 31-year-old has been a victim of the fact Gareth Southgate has his "favourites" and there is already a familiarity among the Three Lions squad.
Various pundits of the Scottish game, including the likes of Chris Sutton and Michael Stewart, were expecting Philippe Clement's starter to get a recall but three Premier League-based men got the nod, to the shock of Ferguson's brother Barry.
But Derek is convinced that the Ibrox number one has the quality to also be first choice for his country over Everton's Jordan Pickford, who he sees as mistake-prone, and Arsenal's Aaron Ramsdale who is stuck behind David Raya at the Emirates.
He spoke exclusively to Ibrox News and said: "Listen I've been watching him all season. He's been an absolute stand-out, different class. That's why he's been touted for an international recall.
"But the England manager has got his favourites. He's got a squad where there seems to be togetherness, they all seem to want to turn up, which isn't always the case with international teams.
"That's what he's created, a kind of club mentality at the international level so he's obviously happy with the three keepers.
"But for me, is Jack Butland capable of getting into that England squad? Without a shadow of a doubt. I think he could even be the first choice.
"Pickford, he's a decent keeper but I've watched him and it's only highlights but you see him making quite a few mistakes. The Arsenal boy, Ramsdale, doesn't even play, and then the boy at Crystal Palace I'm not too sure about."
Jack Butland on the outside looking in for Gareth Southgate at Rangers
Pickford gets a rough ride but at Everton in recent seasons he has been under pressure more than his competitors, allthough on current form it hardly seems outrageous for Butland to at least on his level.
Southgate would never drop his starter now having shown faith in him regularly for years, and perhaps admirably so.
But over Ramsdale and Sam Johnstone there would appear to be more than a valid argument to bring the Rangers man back into the fold.
Had Butland been involved more recently than 2018 then he likely would have got a look in now, but after so long away his excellent revival at Ibrox hasn't been enough to get him a recall barring injury before the summer.
In other Rangers news, the Light Blues have been hit by yet another new injury blow over the international break.
For more Rangers news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.