The Scottish Premiership title race is far from over and, if Jack Butland has anything to do with it, Rangers could yet make it over the line.
All eyes are on the final four league games before the season closes with an Old Firm Scottish Cup and the Gers number one could be the difference between success and failure.
Speaking after being announced as a nomination for the PFA Player of the Year award, Jack Butland insists that the fat lady has yet to start warming up as Rangers chase the most unlikely of trebles.
Jack Butland in Rangers title shout as he serves belief reminder
At the Ibrox outfit’s own player of the year ceremony, it wasn’t a surprise to see Butland emerge with a clean sweep.
There is a reason why Gareth Southgate is considering the 30-year old for the England squad and why it wouldn’t be a surprise if he makes the European Championships.
Not only has Butland rarely put a foot wrong, he’s also made a series of saves that Gers legends like Allan McGregor and Andy Goram would be proud of.
It’s not just quality between the sticks that Butland has brought, he brings a calmness and steely determination to the squad too.
When Jack Butland says that Rangers can still win the title, there is no reason to argue:
“One million percent – it would be silly to lose heart now given where we’ve come from.
“The gap that we closed and the position we put ourselves in, there’s plenty of belief in the squad that we can do it.
“Belief is one thing, but we’ve got to go out and show it and put in the performances to do so.
“It’s the mental side of it, the tactical side of it, the emotional side of it and dealing with all of that.
“It’s something that we’ve spoken about, something we’re prepared for and something that you have to deal with.
“It’s certainly something that we’re all relishing, looking forward to the challenge and hopefully it’s a positive end for us.”
Butland leads the way with mentality the key in title race
Butland is right.
Advantage might be with Celtic due to their superior goal difference and the final Old Firm derby being at Parkhead, however, stranger things have happened.
As Helicopter Sunday proves, bigger gaps can be caught in fewer games.
What got Rangers back into the title race was Philippe Clement getting the same sort of message Jack Butland is talking about across to his squad.
Injuries have played their part in the recent slump, but it is this mentality that needs to be rediscovered if Rangers are to succeed.
Tactical discipline is important in any game and, at the sharp end of the season, players must stick to their roles.
As Butland says though, the top few inches of any footballer can be a help or a hindrance when the going gets tough.
In the Rangers number one, we have nothing to worry about.
