Jack Butland all of a sudden faces an uncertain future at Rangers after being dropped by Barry Ferguson last week.
Ferguson made a huge call in leaving out Butland for the Europa League quarter-final first-leg clash with Athletic Bilbao at Ibrox.
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That decision ultimately paid off as Liam Kelly saved a penalty en route to keeping a clean sheet, with the back-up keeper retaining his spot in goal against Aberdeen at the weekend.
And after losing his place in the side, there have been suggestions that Butland could be finished at Ibrox beyond this season.
Kelly has come into the Rangers side (Credit: Imago)
McCoist believes Butland could be ‘finished’ at Rangers
Butland said prior to the Athletic Bilbao game, and once again in the days after, that he believes Butland could be “mentally done” as a result of being demoted.
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That is a bold claim, but one that could make sense. Butland has clearly not been up to the usual levels of late and Rangers may well consider finding a replacement in the summer.
However, Derek Ferguson – the brother of interim boss Barry Ferguson – does not agree with McCoist’s sentiment.
Opponent Result
Dundee (A) 3-4 W
Hibernian (H) 0-2 L
Athletic Bilbao (H) 0-0 D
Aberdeen (A) 2-2 D
Rangers’ past four results
Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, Ferguson said: “I don’t agree with that. It’s clear to see he’s not been playing good enough. But does that mean it’s the end of his career because he’s been dropped? No it doesn’t.
“It happens to players. Barry has explained to him that he can’t go with him because he’s not playing good enough. Butland will go away and analyse his own game.
“He’s a big character and he’ll work on how he can now get better. He needs to focus better. Hopefully he comes back better for that. Barry will certainly be hoping for that.
“It’s interesting to see the reaction of players who have been dropped. Some curl up into a ball and think ‘this is not for me’. But I don’t think Jack Butland is that type. I certainly hope not.
“He should take it on the chin, come back and prove everyone wrong in the long term. That’s why Barry made that decision. I certainly don’t agree with Aly – his Rangers career is far from over.”
Rangers boss Barry Ferguson
Rangers have been inconsistent under Ferguson (Credit: Imago)
Butland needs to work hard to regain Rangers spot
The starting spot is now Kelly‘s to lose. Rangers’ season is only being kept alive by the Europa League, so all eyes will be on who Ferguson selects at San Mames on Thursday (17 April).
Kelly may have conceded twice against Aberdeen at the weekend, but Ferguson will surely see no reason to turn to Butland.
With a month-and-a-half of meaningless Scottish Premiership matches to come, Butland will simply have to watch on and hope he gets another chance to prove himself before the summer window.
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