Rabbi Matondo couldn’t think of how else to praise one Rangers star after labelling him ‘unbelievable’ and a ‘top person’.
The Welshman was speaking ahead of his side’s short trip to St Mirren on Saturday and is looking forward to racking up many more minutes under Philippe Clement.
Matondo has taken advantage of Abdallah Sima’s absence due to AFCON duty and should expect an extended run in the starting XI now that the Senegalese forward is out with a serious thigh injury.
The 23-year-old former Manchester City youngster – who has six goal contributions in 18 games for Gers this season – gets a hard time from Rangers fans and it is true that he can be a frustrating watch on the left-wing.
But goalkeeper Jack Butland is the complete opposite of that and is heralded as a hero amongst the Ibrox fanbase.
He turned in yet another outstanding display between the sticks against Hibs in midweek as he kept his 13th Scottish Premiership clean sheet of the season.
Butland has dug Rangers out of a hole on more than a few occasions and is a rock at the back for Clement’s men.
And when quizzed on the importance of Butland to this Rangers team, Matondo was effusive in his description of the ex-Manchester United stopper.
Rabbi Matondo on Jack Butland
Rabbi Matondo told the media at his press conference today: “I love Jack, he’s top. He’s an unbelievable goalkeeper, we all think highly of him.
“It wasn’t an easy game (against Hibs) but they had chances to get back in the game but Jack is unbelievable and has been all season. I’ve got nothing else to say about him! But he’s a great goalkeeper and a top person as well.
Asked how much confidence he gives the outfield players, Matondo replied: “A lot. Sometimes you might not be at your best but with a top-class keeper like him you know you’ve always got a chance.
“If we do our jobs up front we know he can look after us as well as our good defence as well.”
