According to Kris Boyd, Jack Butland is the best addition the Rangers have made this season and ought to be a contender for SPFL Player of the Year.
The English keeper’s effect at Ibrox has thrilled the Sky Sports pundit, especially following another impressive display in the Europa League tie at Benfica. In his Scottish Sun column on March 8, the pundit included him and Gers captain James Tavernier on a five-man shortlist for the top accolade.
Boyd has identified the standouts this season as Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley, Aberdeen attacker Bojan Miovski, and Hearts star Lawrence Shankland, all of whom he has previously identified as targets for the Light Blues.
“The best, though?,” Boyd wrote. Jack Butland should really be debating with Matt O’Riley, Lawrence Shankland, Bojan Miovski, and James Tavernier for Player of the Year.
“In Lisbon, he once more demonstrated his class with some excellent saves. And Easter Road will require him to remain alert once more.
It was impressive how Butland handled those amazing corners from Angel Di Maria. The goaltender was the best addition to the Gers’ summer transfer class.
The former Crystal Palace player has worked his way back into the England team and, as evidence of his importance this season—he has already kept 22 clean sheets in all competitions and easily has the best defensive record in the Scottish Premiership with 16 conceded—he saw a big-money bid from Nottingham Forest rejected out of hand midseason [Scottish Sun, 13 January].
A campaign that once appeared to be over, but was revived under Philippe Clement to win one title and put the Rangers in the running for several, has once again been characterized by Tavernier’s ability to make significant contributions when it matters.
When things at Ibrox don’t go well, the captain is often the target of unfair criticism. For this reason, he should be commended when things do go well, and he has already made more of an impact than most with another incredible return of 21 goals and 10 assists from full-back.
Though both the Scot and his Dons opponent are regarded as potential Ibrox arrivals in the summer, the other three names would probably be chosen by many. Shankland, in particular, will be hard to beat given his amazing scoring form.
However, few would disagree that Butland or Tavernier should receive it if a Gers player were to receive it.
In other Rangers news, a starter’s replacement has already been lined up, and the team is expected to receive a £5 million summer windfall.
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