Graeme Souness confesses Rangers don't have 'much to shout about' but defiant icon can't let left field Ibrox gripe go
The Ibrox icon has been left impressed by one star in the midst of a disappointing campaign for his former side
Bullish Graeme Souness has double down on his belief that Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland should be in the England squad.
The Ibrox No. 1 was the hero in the Europa League shoot-out with Fenerbahce as Jose Mourinho's men crashed out of the competition under he lights in Glasgow.
Butland denied two Fener stars before Mert Hakan Yandas thumped his effort over the bar - and Rangers' icon Souness reckons that the 32-year-old has launched himself back into the Three Lions plans.
It has been a difficult campaign for the Light Blues with the Europa League the only realistic shot at silverware for the club - as they trail Celtic by a whopping 16 points going into Sunday's derby clash.
Butland has been unable to escape criticism with some costly errors this term - having been touted for a big-money exit from the Premiership side off the back of an impressive debut season in blue.
Bu writing for the Daily Mail, Souness said: "I'm a big fan of Jack Butland and he is the reason that Rangers are in the Europa League quarter-finals.
"He was the difference between Rangers and Fenerbahce on Thursday night and maybe provided a timely reminder for Thomas Tuchel as he named his England squad.
"Rangers have not had much to shout about of late but I wish I had been at Ibrox because I know what a special atmosphere those European nights can create.
They played second fiddle to Jose Mourinho's side for most of the game but dug in and found away to win."
It's not the first time that Souness has went to bat for Butland - insisting that Gareth Southgate should have taken him to Euro 2024 despite the "snooty" view of the Scottish Premiership south of the border.
Last year he said: "I hope Jack Butland's performances for Rangers have not escaped Gareth Southgate's notice because I believe he warrants consideration by England.
"His quality demonstrates to any English players who might be snooty about joining Rangers just what an excellent environment it is. Jack is a lovely kicker of the ball, who has great positioning."
After he missed out on the squad, Souness insisted that the boss had not picked his best goalkeeper: "Gareth has also been very loyal to Jordan Pickford, which I can understand, but, for me, there is another goalkeeper who should be going to the tournament.
"I’ve watched Jack Butland several times playing for Rangers this season and he is the best English goalkeeper around. I’m surprised he hasn’t earned a place."
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