There’s no doubting that Jack Butland has been probably Rangers’ best player this season so far.
Perhaps captain James Tavernier has a strong case given his 22 goal contributions in 33 games from right-back and scoring the winner in the Viaplay Cup Final.
But the rock solid Butland is absolutely right up there and without his 12 Scottish Premiership clean sheets, Rangers would be much further behind Celtic in the title race as it stands.
Butland has unquestionably been the bargain of the season up north and it wouldn’t be a shock to see him in the running for the player of the year gongs at the conclusion of the 2023/24 campaign.
However, Clyde 1 Superscoreboard mouthpiece Hugh Keevins is in a different school of thought.
Hugh Keevins on Jack Butland
The popular radio programme hosted by Gordon Duncan debated its player of the season so far given we are in the midst of the Premiership winter break.
Celtic’s Matt O’Riley was mentioned at the beginning before one Rangers fan caller rightly namedropped James Tavernier for his incredible exploits this season.
Keevins certainly wasn’t against what Eddie the caller was saying regarding Tavernier but was quick to drop in that Jack Butland shouldn’t be in the running because of the simple fact he is a goalkeeper.
Keevins said: “I wouldn’t complain with what Eddie has had to say (about Tavernier). Butland makes timely saves and he looks good in the process.
“However, for a Rangers goalkeeper to be player of the year eventually would be an odd choice. You’re looking for forward-going players and for Tavernier, the numbers stack up for him.”
Keevins has been unfair here because it really isn’t that ‘odd’ to see a stopper between the sticks win a player of the year award.
We only have to go back to one of Rangers’ most memorable campaigns in the 2020/21 season to realise that Allan McGregor was voted the SPFL player of the year for his incredible form.
Now think of how dominant Rangers were as the club stopped Celtic’s 10IAR bid. Tavernier, Jermain Defoe, Steven Davis, Ryan Kent, Kemar Roofe and more were outstanding on the way to 55.
But for McGregor to be recognised above every other outfield player in the Ibrox squad was a fantastic achievement and one that couldn’t really be sniffed at.
So for Keevins to say that Butland simply can’t be in the running for an award for being a goalie, regardless of how good he is, is rather odd in itself and definitely an unjust comment.
