Inside Jack Butland’s Rangers talks, the contract option stumbling block and his ‘calmer’ comparison to Allan McGregor

ALLAN McGREGOR played over 500 times for Rangers.

He has kept 216 clean sheets, won four Premier League titles, four Scottish Cups and five League Cups.

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He was also a double Europe League Finalist.

Jack Butland knows he has big work to do.

The two Men will meet for the first time next Week McGregor Returns Training before his testimonial against Newcastle.

It will give his successor the perfect chance to reflect.
Butland is looking to follow in the footsteps of Ibrox goalkeeping greats Andy Goram, Stefan Klos and Greegsy.

The new Gers No 1 said: “I’ve had great goalkeepers to follow in the past, at Stoke and the like.

“Top goalkeepers have done it before and they will come back. This is the beauty the position. We are all different and we can all make it our own.

“There’s no denying the impact some of these guys have had on the club, I’ve paid attention.

“I think we’ll see Alan and hopefully be able to train with him for a few days before the game in Newcastle. This will be real Pretty and a chance to think a little.

“I just want to hear about his experience and what the club means to him and how that can help me.

“We’re different goalkeepers and I’m just looking forward to putting the gloves on and trying to emulate some of the things they’ve achieved.

“It’s 100 percent valuable to talk to Allan.

“It’s a unique city, the way it works and he knows it better than anyone.

“That’s why there is no better contact than him for me to talk about his experiences at the club.

“He will know how to deal with it and how to deal with the old companies.

“It’s about getting a glimpse into all of this and how he went about it.

“It can only be beneficial for me and I’m looking forward to it.”

Asked if he was calmer park As McGregor smiled, Butland said, “I don’t know. Maybe, within reason. We are different.

“I like to be as collected as possible. But I’m vocal, I think that’s important.

“I like to be vocal in the dressing room, not excessively, only when necessary. I’ve always felt like a big voice in the clubs I’ve been to.

“But quieter? Perhaps. I’m not sure.”

Butland is one of five signings this year Summer – with Cyriel Dessers, who is set to be the sixth. More newcomers as managers are to follow

Michael Beale continues his rebuild ahead of his first full season as manager.

It’s a massive campaign for him and Rangers as they seek to regain the title from Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic.

At 30, goalkeeper Butland will play a big part in making sure the new players are a good match while Gers looks to take off.

But he added: “I will be no different than before.

“I think that’s key for the manager who spoke to us when we came in.

“The new guys all stayed in the same hotel.

“And the day before the start we all had dinner together with the coaching staff. The boss repeated to all of us that we don’t have to be more than what we are.

“His message was, ‘You’re here for a reason.’ You are here because we like you. Be yourself.’ So I’ll be myself

“Once you step out of that window, you start to lose focus.

“We have the right balance: leaders who are quieter and leaders who are louder and lead in different ways. It is important that everyone is themselves.”

Butland was linked with a move to ranger last summer before it finally happened last month.

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After falling out of favor at Crystal Palace, he then sat on the bench at Old Trafford, formerly Manchester United Man admits it’s great to feel wanted again now.

Butland said, “I met the manager a few months earlier. He came to Manchester to see me and that was really good too.

“It gave me a glimpse of the club, as much as you can give in a meeting room I suppose.

“But he explained his ideas and outlined his plans.

“I didn’t have to do much Research So the decision was really easy for me. Look, it’s a great feeling to be wanted.

“It was huge for me. I hadn’t felt that in a while at this point.

“I’ve been working hard to get back to this point because it doesn’t come easily. I know the lads here have also done their research by speaking to people at Palace and United.

“They wanted to see where I was and it all led to where we are now.

“I’m really looking forward to it The challenge. It wasn’t that close before.

“Furthermore, I didn’t have the contractual freedom to make an impact.

“I was placed at the Palace. When my contract expired, there was a possible option, but it didn’t materialize.

“I’m on loan and that has made it a lot easier now.”

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