Former Rangers goalkeeper Andy Firth is praying that the ‘top class’ Jack Butland remains at Ibrox beyond the January transfer window despite rumours of a return to Birmingham City.
The likes of Danilo and Abdallah Sima may have closed the gap somewhat but the former England international, a free transfer from Crystal Palace, remains comfortably the most impressive Rangers newcomer of 2023/24.
As Firth is keen to point out, Jack Butland had big shoes – or should that be gloves? – to fill when replacing the legendary Allan McGregor at Ibrox. Not that you’d know it. The one-time Manchester United loanee a pillar of calm and consistency between the sticks already building up quite the collection of virtuoso performances.
According to The Sun, former Three Lions team-mate Wayne Rooney is keen to bring Butland back to Birmingham City. The club where he started his career over a decade ago.
And Firth is praying that those ‘rumours’ are just that.
Jack Butland outstanding at Rangers
“I’ve seen some Twitter rumours going round about the potential for clubs to come sniffing in January. I really hope they don’t for obvious reasons,” Firth, who spent three years at Ibrox, tells the Daily Record.
“I’m just hoping that everything about the club and the fanbase, especially with the way things have been going since the new manager arrived, is enough to convince him to stay. He’s joined a club that is fighting to win trophies every year and that European pull is also massive.”
Butland’s best performances have arguably come in the Europa League, stand-out showings against Real Betis and Sparta Prague meaning Clement’s side are well-placed to qualify for the knockout stage after Christmas.
Clearly, his reflexes have not been diminished by a couple of years on the bench south of the border.
Birmingham City return rumoured
“I did wonder how he’d get on having not played for so long,” adds Firth, who now represents Connah’s Quay Nomads in Wales. “But jeez, he’s not been bad, has he? He had some big gloves to fill. The pressure of following Greegs (McGregor) will have been massive but Jack’s passed the test with flying colours so far.
“From what I’ve heard, Jack has now taken on some of that responsibility (in the leadership department). I had a conversation with someone last week. And he said that Jack has come in from day one looking to set standards with his mentality and performances, even in training.
“It’s been a shaky start to the season. But the one person who has been able to hold his head high throughout has been Butland. His performances have been top class for the first minute he pulled on that number one jersey.
“He’s massively impressed me and he looks like he’s got every area you’d want in a keeper covered. Left foot, right foot, shot stopping, coming for crosses, being a proper leader…
“He’s been top so far.”
