Rangers can match ‘tremendous’ Celtic transfer by signing star in ‘Joe Hart’ situation – McLeish
Alex McLeish has suggested Rangers could copy Celtic by signing Jack Butland this summer.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Gers boss insisted the 29-year-old could emulate the “tremendous” success Joe Hart has had at Parkhead with a move to Ibrox.
The Sun (28 May) claim Rangers are in the hunt to sign Butland from Crystal Palace with Allan McGregor’s future up in the air.
The veteran shot-stopper’s contract at Rangers is out of contract this summer and it remains to be seen whether he will commit to new terms.
McLeish, who managed Butland at Birmingham City, admitted the keeper is yet to hit the heights expected of him.
However, he suggested the Palace man could thrive with a move to Glasgow.
McLeish told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “It’s an interesting name. I knew Jack as well when I was at Birmingham.
“He promised great things but never quite reached that height that was expected. Joe Hart did a bit more and he’s proved to be a great signing for Celtic. They may be thinking along these lines.
“At the same time, you would think that Giovanni would have his team, his colleagues, recommending other players as well. Jack Butland is a Joe Hart situation but I do think Hart is vastly more experienced than Jack.
“Joe played a lot of times for England, Jack’s played for England a couple of times as well. Hart has proved to be a tremendous signing for Celtic. Rangers have to get that right as well.
“Jack Butland hasn’t played at the top level for all his career, but you’d think he’s got the necessary ingredients to be able to cope.”
In other news, McLeish issues emphatic Nikola Katic claim after speaking to Rangers employee.