Rangers won a watch when they managed to persuade Jack Butland to leave the Premier League and head to the bright lights of the SPFL.
The 30-year old stopper had more lucrative offers on the table, however, the lure of Ibrox on European nights and the chance to win trophies proved too tempting to turn down – it’s also why he wants to stay, despite reports linking him with a move away.
His form since signing for Rangers has been nothing short of breath taking and the good news keeps on coming after Sky Sports revealed that Jack Butland is in contention for an international recall.
Rangers keeper Jack Butland could be rewarded for form
There has been confirmation already from Gareth Southgate and England goalkeeper coach Martyn Margetson that the towering number one has been on their radar.
Even still, it never seemed truly possible for them to take the nine-times capped keeper’s form in Scotland seriously given some of the opinions of the SPFL from south of the border.
What has helped, is that Jack Butland has been even more impressive for Rangers in the Europa League and is a key reason why a place in the last 16 was achieved, his presence in Philippe Clement’s squad is immense.
The report, from Sahil Jaidka and Rob Dorsett, claims that Butland is in contention for a recall for the upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.
The biggest issue for Southgate is that his previous two back-ups aren’t having the best of seasons.
Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale has been dropped and Nick Pope of Newcastle United is still recovering from shoulder surgery.
There is no debate about Jordan Pickford being England’s number one, but Southgate will be looking for someone to deputise who he knows he can rely on.
Once linked to Rangers, James Trafford has been under the cosh at Burnley which leaves another keeper considered to replace Allan McGregor, Sam Johnstone at Crystal Palace, as the only other realistic option.
Johnstone has only just returned to playing after a recent calf injury and a spell on the bench though.
Jack Butland has the experience needed to play if England need him to and his confidence will be sky high due to his form for Rangers.
But, if he is to be nothing other than a safe pair of hands to provide back-up, then Gareth Southgate knows that he can be trusted.
The more clean sheets he gets for Rangers the better, in more ways than one.
