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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Stewart Wilson

'He's one of the leaders now' - Connor Goldson praises Jack Butland

Connor Goldson has praised Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland, claiming he is now "one of the dressing room leaders".

The 30-year-old has impressed for the Light Blues since joining in the summer after being freed by Crystal Palace.

And Goldson feels the shot-stopper has made a real difference at Ibrox.

Speaking to the Rangers Review, he said: "It’s just the presence and the calmness you have behind you.

"When big moments happen I feel like for a goalkeeper, especially at this club you might not have much to do but when the big moments come he seems to pull off saves and help the team.

"You look at even one in the last game against Kilmarnock although we didn’t keep a clean sheet the one-on-one in the first half at 0-0 if that goes in, Ibrox maybe gets a bit twitching and we maybe don’t play as well. 

"10 minutes later we’re 2-0 up and the atmosphere is completely different. It’s brilliant, he comes to collect when balls are in the air so it helps us with set pieces and things like that and with the ball at his feet he can play with us so he’s been an amazing addition.

"He’s a top person as well a real top person around the dressing room, one of the leaders now. Hopefully, long may it continue."

Goldson also talked up his manager Philippe Clement, insisting the Belgian is the sort of boss Rangers have been 'craving'.

The 49-year-old joined in November after Michael Beale was relieved of his duties and he has quickly won over the players and fans.

Clement has lost just one of his first 18 games in charge of the Light Blues, winning 14 and drawing three.

Rangers have also topped their Europa League group and lifted the League Cup for the first time in over 12 years since his arrival.

He is clear and precise in everything he wants, he demands high standards in everything that we do and 100 per cent in everything that we do. I

"I think he has gained the respect very quickly of the team in every area, tactically, the way he wants to play, discipline around the club, respect for other people and the way he wants you to train.

There are no easy days and there are no days where you are able to give, 60, 70, 80 per cent in training.

"I love that. It is the way that I am and it is something that this place has craved for a long time.

The club needed someone to come in and say ‘It is my way or the high way’ and I think that is what he has done.

"He set his precedent very early and you can see in some team selections or decisions that he has made that it is his way or you are not going to play.

"That means that everyone is on board and everyone is pulling in the same direction. At the same time, he is a good man manager and a good people person, he speaks well and clearly."

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