Kris Boyd has dismissed the notion that Jack Butland’s Rangers career is over — insisting the Ibrox No.1 will come back fighting after being dropped.
Interim boss Barry Ferguson made the gutsy call to axe Butland for last week’s Europa League quarter-final first leg against Athletic Club, with Liam Kelly stepping in and saving a crucial penalty from Alex Berenguer in the second half.
The Scotland keeper kept his place for the 2-2 draw at Aberdeen, fuelling speculation that Butland’s days as first choice could be numbered. But Boyd has firmly batted away any such suggestion.
“I don't think he's done,” the Sky Sports pundit said. “Obviously Jack Butland is going through a difficult period right now, he's made a few mistakes which is unlike him. He's a top goalkeeper and he'll bounce back — every goalkeeper makes mistakes, and when they do they're highlighted more than outfield players as such.”
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Boyd believes Butland will know better than anyone that performances at a club the size of Rangers come under the microscope.
“Butland probably knows that if you're not performing at a big club then there's a likelihood that you will lose your place,” Boyd added.
“Liam Kelly has had a career where he's been a number one, I wouldn't put him in the backup category. He's been brought into Rangers to push Jack Butland, and if he wasn't performing, there would be the opportunity to take it.
"But he’s pushed Jack all the way, and now you’re looking at it saying he’s been given his opportunity, and Butland’s going to have to wait. He will have to train properly, be a good teammate, be supportive of Liam Kelly, and wait for his opportunity.
"From Rangers point of view, it was a big decision for Barry to make, he made it, and Liam Kelly made the save from the penalty kick last week. But you'd imagine he will be a lot busier on Thursday night. He's handling from shots and crossing last week was very good and he's going to need that again tomorrow."
