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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Jonny McFarlane

Jack Butland to miss Rangers vs Celtic due to internal bleed

Rangers keeper Jack Butland will miss Rangers' clash with Celtic after he was admitted to hospital on Hogmanay.

The Rangers Review understands the nine-times capped for England keeper was admitted with what a source describes as a "significant internal bleed".

The 31-year-old missed was forced to spend the night under medical care before being released today - but will not be fit to take his place in between the sticks at Ibrox.

Butland, who was heavily criticised for his showing in the 2-2 Boxing Day draw with Motherwell is understood to be devastated to have to sit out the derby.


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And that means summer signing Liam Kelly will take his place in nets for only his second appearance for the Light Blues since signing in the summer.

Kelly, a graduate of the Rangers youth system who took a meandering route back to the club via the likes of QPR and Motherwell, kept a clean sheet in the 1-0 win over Dundee earlier this month after Butland pulled out of the match when his wife went into labour.

Talking to the media after the appearance, he said: “It felt unbelievable. I've been at Rangers a long, long time.

“It was 20 years ago that I first walked through the gates of the training centre. So, that's what I've waited for the majority of my life. 

“I’m over the moon, I got a clean sheet and a victory. That’s why I signed, in case I was ever called upon."

Butland posted on social media site Instagram this afternoon explaining he is hoping for a full recovery 'sooner rather than later' and bemoaning the timing of the issue.

"I really appreciate the messages, but it's important the information is correct," read the post.

"I've suffered a significant bleed to my leg that needed hospital attention, thankfully that's now under control and will lead to a full recovery hopefully sooner rather than later.

"Needless to say it's come at an awful time and I was fully focussed on helping us as a club.

"The most important thing now is supporting the lads and focussing on getting fit again as soon as possible.

"Let's stick together and push on @rangersfc."

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