The fallout of any Glasgow Derby always comes to the inevitable conversation. Who has the better players? Celtic or Rangers?
Now, the league table at the end of the season always gives you the definitive answer because whoever finishes top of the Scottish Premiership generally has the better players and the best team.
But this season has saw the pendulum swing for many different reasons as Rangers went top for about ten days in March.
However, before Celtic’s game against Rangers, there was a debate on BBC Sportsound as to which players from Philippe Clement’s team would get in Rodgers’ side and Pat Bonner and Michael Stewart named just one.
Jack Butland is good enough for Celtic
Looking at the areas of the Celtic team that require strengthening in the summer, the fans would all agree that left-back, central defence, the wingers and a new striker is required.
Maybe even a central midfielder too. So when the discussion took off about Rangers players and Celtic, Stewart and Bonner picked just one Ibrox man who would make a difference in Rodgers’ side.
Stewart said [BBC Radio Scotland], “Potentially, and the reason I was putting one up was the goalie [Jack Butland].
“He’s a potential.”
Former Celtic hero, Bonner, agreed and whilst he recognised that there are deficiences in Rodgers’ side, only Butland made his list.
Bonner: “Celtic’s, maybe, back line, sometimes you might ask because Hearts created opportunities last week but they’re all decent players.
“Joe Hart’s had a good season. Listen guys, Jack Butland, probably if you were after a goalkeeper right now to replace Joe Hart and he was available, he would be one that you would take.”
I have to agree with both. Butland is a very good ‘keeper and had it not been for his heroics yesterday, Celtic could have been 5-1 up and cruising to the title.
The Ibrox club will have a hard job keeping a hold of Butland this summer. It’s just unfortunate that because of where the England international is right now, Celtic have no hope of capturing his signature any time soon.