Ferguson not having what Ally McCoist has now said about Butland at Rangers

Jack Butland all of a sudden faces an uncertain future at Rangers after being dropped by Barry Ferguson last week.

Ferguson made a huge call in leaving out Butland for the Europa League quarter-final first-leg clash with Athletic Bilbao at Ibrox.

That decision ultimately paid off as Liam Kelly saved a penalty en route to keeping a clean sheet, with the back-up keeper retaining his spot in goal against Aberdeen at the weekend.

And after losing his place in the side, there have been suggestions that Butland could be finished at Ibrox beyond this season.

McCoist believes Butland could be ‘finished’ at Rangers

Butland said prior to the Athletic Bilbao game, and once again in the days after, that he believes Butland could be “mentally done” as a result of being demoted.

That is a bold claim, but one that could make sense. Butland has clearly not been up to the usual levels of late and Rangers may well consider finding a replacement in the summer.

However, Derek Ferguson – the brother of interim boss Barry Ferguson – does not agree with McCoist’s sentiment.

Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, Ferguson said: “I don’t agree with that. It’s clear to see he’s not been playing good enough. But does that mean it’s the end of his career because he’s been dropped? No it doesn’t.

“It happens to players. Barry has explained to him that he can’t go with him because he’s not playing good enough. Butland will go away and analyse his own game.

“He’s a big character and he’ll work on how he can now get better. He needs to focus better. Hopefully he comes back better for that. Barry will certainly be hoping for that.

“It’s interesting to see the reaction of players who have been dropped.