Craig Moore has hailed Jack Butland’s contribution to Rangers this season and reckons a “deserved” England call-up for the goalkeeper would be “massive” for Scottish football.
The legendary Australian centre-back, 48, knows all about the rigours of life at Rangers and was talking amid much chatter surrounding Jack Butland’s international status.
Reports this week have suggested that the 30-year-old Rangers goalkeeper is in line for a return to the England squad, more than five years on from the nine-cap stopper’s last call-up.
This comes after England manager Gareth Southgate has confirmed the Three Lions were looking at Jack Butland’s Ibrox form earlier in the season.
Craig Moore on Jack Butland
Speaking on the GO Radio Football Show (27/02/24), Craig Moore has been giving his two cents surrounding the Jack Butland England conversation.
Claiming that the goalkeeper has made a monumental contribution to the club this season, Moore also reckons that a recall for the upcoming friendlies with Brazil and Belgium would be well-deserved.
“I think it would be massive,” said Craig Moore, when asked about the impact on Scottish football. “And on the back of what (Jack) Butland has done this season, it would be deserved.
“He’s a top goalkeeper, he’s come into the club this season, and I think that the biggest credit that you can give Butland is normally when you have someone before you that has such a wonderful career like Allan McGregor, sometimes the rumblings and discussion still goes on; it hasn’t.
“Butland has not missed a beat, he’s been bang on it from the very first day. Even when Rangers were at times not playing their best football, he was there to make the big, big saves.
“Certainly for me as a defender, sometimes you make mistakes. When you’ve got a goalkeeper that can then dig you out of a hole and make that big save, it gives everybody a lot of confidence.
“I think Butland has delivered that this season.”
Rangers goalkeeper set for England call?
Craig Moore isn’t the only one backing Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland for England, with manager Philippe Clement also giving his backing this week.
Of course the final decision rests with Gareth Southgate, and it all sounds very positive regarding a potential recall to the set-up.
Everton number one Jordan Pickford is the current Three Lions first choice, but there are doubts surrounding both Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal) and Sam Johnstone (Spurs) as back-ups.
If the call comes through it’ll be a massive commendation of the form of Jack Butland at Rangers and whether he plays or not, it will be cause for celebration.
