Liam Kelly seizes Rangers spotlight as Kris Boyd…

Liam Kelly seizes Rangers spotlight as Kris Boyd reflects on Jack Butland's omission

Kris Boyd has offered his take on Barry Ferguson’s high-stakes decision to drop first-choice goalkeeper Jack Butland for Thursday night’s Europa League quarter-final first leg – a move that saw Liam Kelly handed a rare start in what was arguably Rangers’ biggest match of the season so far.

The Scottish Premiership giants played the majority of the 0-0 draw with ten men after Robin Propper was sent off early into the European clash at Ibrox, but still managed to frustrate Athletic Club thanks in large part to Kelly’s heroics.

The former Motherwell keeper – who joined Rangers last summer and has largely served as understudy – not only kept a clean sheet, but also produced a vital penalty save to preserve the deadlock.

While the choice of the Rangers interim manager sparked intense debate among fans and pundits, Boyd, speaking on The Warm-Up, presented by William Hill, acknowledged the dilemma facing Ferguson and highlighted the context behind the call.

"It's one of those where you can sit here and discuss the pros and the cons," Boyd admitted. "I think Jack Butland has made a few mistakes recently. There's no doubt he's Rangers’ number one goalkeeper – he has been now for a period of time.

"But there comes a point when if you are saying to your backup goalkeeper that you're an excellent goalkeeper and you are training well, you are doing everything properly – there needs to be a pathway or an opportunity for him to get his chance. And if he didn't get it, then you are probably losing Liam Kelly."

Ferguson’s call to act decisively, rather than persist with a slightly out-of-form Butland, was bold – particularly given the high stakes. Yet Boyd emphasised the emotional weight such a call carries, especially for a figure as prominent as Butland - who boats nine senior caps for England.

"On the flip side, if you drop Jack Butland then there's a good chance he's not going to be in a good mental place for the next period of time," the ex-Rangers striker stated.

"But look, that's the life of a goalkeeper. Jack Butland will know that he has been waiting in the past for other goalkeepers to make a mistake and he's got his opportunity. Liam Kelly is the exact same."

(Image: Steve Welsh - PA) Boyd was also keen to point out that Kelly’s credentials had been proven in earlier showings this season – even if he was overlooked once Butland returned from injury.

"When you go back and look at when Liam Kelly came in a few months ago when Jack Butland was injured, he didn't do anything wrong. Apart from that one at Hibs where you're thinking, could he have come, did he make the right decision – but it's not a howler," he continued.

The clean sheets and composed displays had built a case for Kelly long before Thursday night.

"They beat Aberdeen 3-0, had a clean sheet there, clean sheet against Celtic," Boyd said. "So, there wasn't a big risk as such. You know he's a good goalkeeper, he's played a lot of games. He was in the last Scotland squad, so his confidence will be high. He's just sitting saying to himself, 'I need this chance.'"

With the tie finely poised heading into next week’s second leg at Ibrox, Ferguson now faces another major selection decision. But if Thursday's display proved anything, it's that Rangers have two goalkeepers both ready – and eager – to step up when called upon.

Ferguson's side go to Pittodrie for a league clash against Aberdeen first, and it will be interesting to see who he selects come 10.45am on Sunday.

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