Jack Butland knows a thing or two about decent defenders having England caps and a spell at Manchester United prominent on his cv. So his excitement about the burgeoning partnership developing between Rangers central defensive duo John Souttar and Dutchman Robin Propper, a summer signing from FC Twente, is notable.
Since a bruising 3-0 defeat to Celtic, the duo have enjoyed four clean sheets in succession as their partnership begins to bed in. Souttar looks rejuvenated by the move to his more natural right side while the composed, diligent Propper looks a good foil on the left, sweeping up behind his more physically aggressive partner.
And they will need to be at their sharpest with the attacking talent of free-spending Lyon set to be unleashed in the Europa League at Ibrox tomorrow. Regardless, Butland is certain that, in the long-term, the defence will continue to solidify and strengthen in the months ahead.
“John and Robin have both been brilliant," he said. "For someone like Robin to come in he’s an experienced defender, he’s played at some big clubs at great levels so he’s stepped in and I think we’ve seen the best of him and there’s even more to come. Connor moving on has allowed John to play on his favoured side but I think he did fantastic for us on the left last year.
"He’s someone that gives everything for the club, he’s grown incredibly as a defender and I think he’s matured into a really top, top centre half. It’s great, I love having him in front of me and as a partnership they’re growing and it shows that if that partnership is not quite right then clean sheets are hard to come by.
“Not many people can be as loud as Connor Goldson was, that was a huge strength of his and something that we really valued, but John is a voice as well. We have a leadership group and he’s a big part of that, not just for on the pitch stuff but off it too. He’s certainly leading with his performances at the minute and he’s becoming a fantastic defender and we’re lucky to have him.
“John's extremely professional, he loves the club, he loves what he does and he’s been through some difficult times. For anyone to come back from that it takes a lot of doing, he’s put a lot of effort into maintaining that level of fitness and his levels and that’s a testament to him. He’s been a huge part of the season so far and I’m sure he’s going to continue to be a huge part of the rest of the campaign.”
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Another likely to play a big part in the season ahead after recent developments is Romanian Ianis Hagi. The creative midfielder spent last year on loan in Spain and given his subsequent exile from first team training, Butland hasn't spent too much time with him on the pitch. However, he's spied enough to be delighted that another international-class player has been added to the thin Ibrox squad.
He said: "Clearly there’s a fantastic player in there. He’s represented his country at international level as well, he’s a great player and a great kid. He’s been integrated back in, when he will play is for the manager to answer but he’s a great lad around the place and we’re glad to have him.
“I think as players you support your teammates as much as you can and we’ve all been in or witnessed similar scenarios and it can be a difficult place sometimes as a player when there’s things going on between the player and the club. That appears to have all been resolved but that’s all down to the manager and the club but as players we always support each other and make sure they’ve got someone to talk to and confide in. He’s done that and seems like he’s in a great place and what will be will be.”
Butland may have plenty to do against Lyon given the quality in their ranks but with three points already in the bag from the solid win in Malmo, the big keeper insists the mood is very positive in the Rangers camp.
“Not just because of that [result in Sweden] but also because of the new format, we obviously have great confidence in ourselves in what we can do at home and what we’ve done in the past at home but we’ve had some great results in the past way from home as well and that certainly helps. I think that’s going to help us hugely in this format so getting off to a good start puts us in a good position in this league format and hopefully we can follow that up tomorrow so the belief is definitely there.
“The challenge [is what motivates the team]. The underdog story from people who don’t think you can that’s always something that keeps this club coming back. If you want to write us off, go for it. We’ll relish the challenge, that’s something we’ve certainly done in European games and need to do for all our competitions. They’re great opportunities for people to showcase what they’re about and show what they can do.”
