Martin Opens Up On Butland’s Rangers Future Amid New Goalkeeper Rumours: What’s Next For The Englishman? | OneFootball

In one of his recent interviews (as quoted by The Daily Record), Rangers boss Russell Martin has opened up on his plans with Jack Butland amid rumours of the club’s loan interest in the Brighton & Hove Albion custodian Carl Rushworth.

The 24-year-old English keeper progressed through the academy ranks of Huddersfield Town and Halifax Town before being roped in by the Seagulls. Despite a few appearances for their reserves, the East Sussex side kept on loaning him out for first-team football. Rushworth enjoyed his minutes in the lower leagues with Worthing, Walsall, Lincoln City and Swansea City. He joined Hull City last season, but his lack of involvement in the East Riding of Yorkshire led to a winter recall.

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 20: Che Adams of Southampton FC battles for the ball with Goalkeeper, Carl Rushworth of Lincoln City FC during the Carabao Cup Fourth Round match between Southampton and Lincoln City at St Mary’s Stadium on December 20, 2022, in Southampton, England. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)

With Bart Verbruggen and Jason Steele being ahead in the pecking order, Rushworth should aim for regular gametime away from Falmer. Nevertheless, the presence of Butland and Liam Kelly raises doubts over assured minutes if he moves to the blue half of Glasgow.

Why Rangers Must Keep Their Options Open

Butland was majestic between the sticks upon his Bosman arrival a couple of summers back. However, he made an array of high-profile errors last season and eventually lost his starting spot to Kelly under interim chief Barry Ferguson. Although the Englishman has impressed Martin in the training ground, the latter has not ruled out approaching another shotstopper in the ongoing summer window.

Told the Gers gaffer, despite reiterating his contentment with Butland and Kelly. The custodian pair are expected to challenge and cover each other for the time being, but a change in plan could see the club part ways with one of them to make way for Rushworth.