Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland

Rangers: Martin Keown gushes over 'magnificent' Jack Butland v Benfica live on talkSPORT

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

Published on:

08 Mar 2024, 3:10 pm

Martin Keown was left awestruck by Jack Butland during Rangers' 2-2 draw with Benfica in the Europa League on Thursday (7 March).

The former Stoke City shot-stopper has been an incredible addition to the Gers squad this season, especially since the arrival of Philippe Clement and his form continued in the European clash.

Though he was beaten twice, once by Angel Di Maria from the penalty spot and again by a Connor Goldson own goal, Butland made four saves to keep his side from going behind. [FotMob]

Speaking live via talkSPORT on Friday (8 March, 10:12am), Keown said: "The goalkeeper was absolutely magnificent last night. Butland is now looking like a new animal, like there is a second coming.

"There is more confidence in him, he talks much better. It seems like he is a proper keeper now."

Can Rangers advance in the Europa League with Ibrox win?

Butland has quickly become one of the first names on Clement's teamsheet, starting all 29 of Rangers' Scottish Premiership matches and also shining in Europe.

Praise for the 30-year-old shot-stopper has been a continuous theme throughout the season, with many pundits and fans tipping Butland to be awarded his first England call-up since August 2019.

Butland has really struggled to settle in at any club since leaving Stoke in 2020, having only made 17 appearances for Crystal Palace before becoming a back-up 'keeper at Manchester United.

Jack Butland has been an incredible addition to the Rangers squad this season

However, he could be one of the main reasons that Rangers battle past Benfica in the Europa League round of 16, making some key saves as Tom Lawrence and Dujon Sterling netted at the other end of the pitch.

Of course, Butland will need to be at his best when Benfica come to Ibrox on Thursday 14 March, with a place in the next round at stake and a shot at another piece of silverware.

In other Rangers news, an international FA chief has raged at a “waste of time” Ibrox loan transfer.

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