There was not even a shred of surprise when a man Ally McCoist dubbed one of Rangers’ best signings in years was recognised in the PFA Scotland’s Team of the Year selection.
Has there been a more integral, more talismanic goalkeeper in Britain, let alone in Scotland this season? Jack Butland, signed on a free transfer from Crystal Palace last summer, was not only chosen as the starting ‘keeper for the annual Team of the Year, but also took home the Player of the Year award at Rangers‘ own end-of-season gongs on Sunday night.
There was certainly not a more fitting winner. Especially after Butland’s latest virtuoso display during the nervy 2-1 win at St Mirren.
A Gers goalkeeper of years gone by is deserving of some recognition of his own, however, according to the manager who watched on in awe as he saved a ten-man Motherwell side from a heavy defeat away at Aberdeen on Saturday.
A fine season for past and present Rangers goalkeepers
Liam Kelly, Motherwell’s captain, might not have hogged quite so many headlines as Butland this season. But, like the Englishman at Ibrox, there is a sense that, even on Well’s darkest days this season, Kelly has been something of a shining light.
“It is a great landmark and it is continuous as well,” Kettlewell told the Daily Record after Kelly, who started his career at Rangers, featured for Motherwell for a 150th consecutive game, a tally which showcases his staggering consistency and eternal availability.
“I don’t think there has been a break in that (run). To my mind, that is phenomenal. (Kelly) was outstanding against Aberdeen. He did have to make a few saves when we were down to 10 men but you could see how proactive he is in being that leader and captain.
“He tried to drag us back into the game. Some people will argue that it can’t come from a goalkeeper but when you see his body language and what it means to him. He had another really good impact on our side on Saturday.”
Liam Kelly tipped for Euro 2024 role
Much was made of Gareth Southgate leaving Butland out of England’s squad for the March international break. Kelly, in contrast, has been a key part of Scotland’s pre-European Championship preparations, Kettlewell backing the former Livingston stopper to retain his place in Steve Clarke’s roster ahead of that trip to Germany.
“He has been involved in all those squads,” Kettlewell adds of Kelly, who left Rangers back in 2018. “He is somebody that has been involved in Scotland.
“I would love to think and hope, I know I am biased in this one, that he has done enough to keep his place and be a part of that group who are travelling to Germany in the summer.”
