Legendary Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor is full of praise about the way the ‘top class’ Jack Butland has taken over from him between the sticks at the Scottish Premiership giants.
Perhaps the biggest compliment that can be paid to the summer signing from Crystal Palace is that, with Jack Butland already building up quite the collection of virtuoso displays, Allan McGregor has not really been missed at Ibrox.
The iconic shot-stopper finally hung up his boots – and his gloves for that matter – at the end of last season.
Rangers were hard pressed finding a replacement, let alone an upgrade. But Butland is proving to be exactly that. The former Manchester United glovesman is a major reason why Philippe Clement’s side are still within a shot of finishing top of their Europa League group ahead of tonight’s trip to Real Betis.
Rangers legend a big fan of Jack Butland
“He has been very, very good,” McGregor says, via the Rangers website. “I think he’s been top class and a great signing.
“I’ve seen him at a testimonial and spoke to him. I was at one of the games – he came up after and I spoke to him. I beat him at golf a couple of times since then as well so, yeah, we get on well. I think it’s just a goalie thing in general to be honest with you!”
Butland, capped nine times by England, joined on a free transfer in June. While Danilo has had his moments, while Abdallah Sima cannot stop scoring, few would disagree that the Bristol-born 30-year-old has been the most impressive of Rangers’ many summer signings.
Rangers travel to Real Betis
“I did not know his personality beforehand,” McGregor adds. “But, after meeting him, I think he’s very calm, (and) composed. I’d imagine anybody coming to this club would relish winning stuff, I think he’s got that in him as well.
“And he’s a great goalkeeper, so that’s always a bonus.”
Win in the Estadio Benito Villamarin tonight and Rangers will finish first in Group C, and will therefore skip through to the last-16 while avoiding a play-off against one of hte teams dropping down from the Champions League.
