Jack Butland’s England snub will ultimately be a good thing for Rangers as he won’t be at risk of an injury over the international break, says Derek Ferguson. The pundit was expecting the Gers keeper to get a call-up for the current squad after being in outstanding form in Scotland this term, but admits he is also glad the 31-year-old will now be fit for the title run in. Rangers might be out of Europe, although Butland put in a strong performance at Ibrox against Benfica hours after the disappointment of the international news, but could still win a domestic treble this term.
Philippe Clement’s injury issues are endless and were anything to knock the former Crystal Palace man out it would be a huge blow, so while Ferguson is surprised there was no England return he is looking at the positives. He exclusively told Ibrox News: “One thing’s for sure Jack Butland’s a top keeper. Yeah he’s had, I wouldn’t say troubles, but he’s kind of fallen out of it the last few years, but he’s just proving it at the moment at Rangers. “And not just in the Scottish game, in Europe he’s been absolutely top drawer and I just thought he might have been in with a wee shout but England have got that togetherness, which is great for them. “But in a way I’m glad, we’re going to have a fit Jack Butland going into the business end of the season.”Hopes for a Euros place in the summer have probably gone unless there is an injury in the coming weeks to Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale or Sam Johnstone, but if Butland is motivated to prove Gareth Southgate wrong that can only be to Rangers’ gain. Ridvan Yilmaz has already picked up an injury in the current friendlies to illustrate the risk that is ever-present, particularly it seems with Light Blues players. Abdallah Sima equally returned from the Africa Cup of Nations without playing a minute but out for months, so keeping Butland out of harm’s way for the upcoming Old Firm clash with Celtic is a bonus of sorts to Clement.
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