Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland has recently shared his admiration for fellow shot-stopper Robby McCrorie while acknowledging the inherent difficulties that come with McCrorie’s role at Ibrox.
As the curtain fell on Allan McGregor’s illustrious career at Rangers, the club foresaw the need for a successor. McGregor bid farewell to Ibrox at the conclusion of his contract during the summer transfer window.
In the wake of McGregor’s departure, McCrorie was granted a few opportunities towards the end of the season. However, it soon became evident that he was not perceived as the long-term heir to the goalkeeping legacy left by McGregor.
To address this vacuum, Rangers secured the services of Jack Butland on a free transfer, consigning McCrorie to another season on the bench. Butland’s performances this season have been nothing short of impressive, positioning him as a strong contender for Rangers’ Player of the Year.
In light of Butland’s stellar displays, McCrorie faces a considerable challenge in attempting to secure a spot in the starting lineup this season. Nevertheless, Butland, in an interview with Rangers Review, expressed his admiration for McCrorie, labeling him a ‘top goalkeeper.’
McCrorie recently earned a call-up to the Scotland squad to face Georgia and Norway, filling in for the injured Angus Gunn. Butland extended his congratulations to McCrorie on this achievement, emphasizing that Scotland now boasts a rising star in the goalkeeping department.
Despite McCrorie’s positive trajectory, Butland recognized the challenging position his teammate currently finds himself in. Drawing from personal experience, Butland empathized with the frustrations that accompany limited playing time but commended McCrorie for his hard work.
“I think I knew before him! I came in and saw it on the TV and said congrats,” Butland remarked. “He’s a top goalkeeper who works extremely hard. It must be difficult because I’ve been in his position before where you’ve not played as much, and I can understand frustrations, but he has worked hard. Scotland has a top goalie on their hands,” he added.
As Rangers navigate the complexities of their goalkeeping transition, the camaraderie and mutual respect between Butland and McCrorie highlight the competitive yet supportive atmosphere within the Ibrox squad.