There is a reason why Jack Butland has been nominated for every player of the year award that he has been eligible for in his first year as Rangers number one.
There is also a reason why a Premier League team bid £6m for him in January and why it was quickly knocked back – he is simply too important to Philippe Clement.
Were it not for Jack Butland, Rangers wouldn’t have won the Viaplay Cup, be in the Scottish Cup final or recovered in the title race, they certainly wouldn’t have topped a Europa League group – up next must be an England recall with support coming from an unlikely source.
Jack Butland tipped to make Euro’s after starring for Rangers
Gareth Southgate has already been up at Ibrox watching the 30-year old stopper.
The Old Firm clash at Ibrox recently saw Butland make a couple of top-class saves and his performance at Parkhead was even more impressive.
These are the games, as well as in Europe, that will be used to gauge whether or not he goes to Germany.
Aaron Ramsdale has played twice in the league for Arsenal since September and only once since the beginning of December.
Nick Pope still isn’t back playing for Newcastle United either.
Butland is the only keeper playing regularly in a pressurised role with extreme demands and has experience of both representing England and tournament football.
He is the proverbial safe pair of hands.
Speaking on BBC 5Live’s 606 phone-in show, Chris Sutton has been a surprise cheerleader for Rangers number one:
“Jack Butland, brilliant performance once again for Rangers. Rangers Player of the Season. Should he go to the Euros? Should Gareth pick him for the Euros? I think so.”
Rangers could face summer Butland conundrum
Butland has been near faultless this season and there is a reason why the club values him at between £10-15m.
It would be painful to see him leave, but for that sort of money, there isn’t a fan that wouldn’t at least understand why he was sold should a bid come in.
Goalkeeper isn’t an easy position to get right, and Philippe Clement will be hoping that the board can give him enough money to rebuild his squad without selling his best player.
Should Butland get called up for England, it would only add to the validity of Rangers valuation and serve as a reminder to those that questioned his ability to get back to his best form.
If Chris Sutton thinks a Rangers player should be in the England squad, it tells you how well they have played this season – almost the ultimate compliment.
