Jack Butland reacts to Todd Cantwell amid Rangers exit rumours
Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland could be replaced as the club’s number one this summer and he has reacted to former Gers midfielder Todd Cantwell.
Russell Martin tasted his first competitive victory in charge of Rangers when the Gers defeated Greek side Panathinaikos 2-0 at Ibrox in the first-leg of their Champions League qualifier.
Butland started the match ahead of Liam Kelly, who was preferred to the former Stoke City goalkeeper in the latter stages of last season.
Brighton goalkeeper Carl Rushworth was linked with a move to the Glasgow club to rival Butland and Kelly, and there had been rumours earlier in the window that Martin was exploring a reunion with Southampton shot stopper Aaron Ramsdale.
Butland could follow Cantwell path
Butland’s former Rangers team mate Cantwell left the club in 2024 to move back to England and to Championship side Blackburn Rovers.
Cantwell has taken to Instagram to share pictures from a golf trip with the caption: “Pre ing the pre season trip,” which Butland liked.
The 27-year-old won the Scottish League Cup during his season at Rangers and has since become a key player for Blackburn, scoring three goals and registering seven assists in his debut campaign at the English club.
Martin could look to future in goal
Football Insider Verdict
Butland impressed during Rangers’ win over Panathinaikos, with a couple of superb first half saves keeping the Greek side out.
The Gers financially need to reach the Champions League league stage to be able to try and catch up rivals Celtic in the Scottish Premiership.
They face a tough trip to Athens where the Greek outfit will be keen to overturn the two goal deficit, but the Scottish side are favourites to progress.
Costly errors from Butland were a reason Rangers dropped points last season and why Celtic ran away with the title again.
| Appearances | 44 |
| Goals Conceded | 51 |
| Clean Sheets | 14 |
Martin needs a reliable number one if Rangers are going to close the gap, which was 17 points last season.
The 32-year-old proved he could still be that goalkeeper against Panathinaikos, but the link to 24-year-old Rushworth, before he joined Coventry on loan, points to Martin looking to the future in that position.
Kelly is 29-year-old, so a younger alternative in-between the sticks would be invaluable for Rangers.