James McArthur knows Rangers lost a huge personality and leader following goalkeeper Allan McGregor’s departure.
But the former Scotland international insists his ex-Crystal Palace team-mate Jack Butland has the ability and the character to fill that void at Ibrox. England international Butland has become Rangers manager Michael Beale’s third summer signing, following on from Norwich midfielder Kieran Dowell and Chelsea defender Dujon Sterling, after penning a four-year deal.
And McArthur is confident he can be a success with the Glasgow giants. McArthur played alongside Butland at Palace prior to the goalkeeper’s loan move to Manchester United in January. He admits the Eagles lost a vocal presence and dressing-room leader when he left for Old Trafford. Having played with McGregor for Scotland, McArthur knows the former Ibrox No.1, who made over 500 appearances for Rangers, was cut from the same cloth. And he believes Butland is the perfect addition to take over from McGregor as last line of defence.
McArthur said: “Rangers are getting an experienced goalkeeper in Jack, one with quality and also a lot of leadership qualities. When he left us, we lost a big voice in the changing room and I think that type of character can thrive at a massive club like Rangers.
“Going to Manchester United will probably help him to deal with that type of pressure in the environment of Rangers and Celtic. But I am sure he can thrive because he’s definitely a big character and a top keeper.
“Jack has played at the highest level so he’s got all the ability and the right character to be able to fill those boots – but obviously Greegsy is a hard person to replace.
“Greesgy was unbelievable for Rangers and Scotland when I played with him. He was a great character but also a great keeper as well. But this is the right club for Jack, it’s the right fit.
“He will need to deal with the pressure – anything you do wrong is scrutinised – but he’s a big character and will be able to deal with that. Every keeper has bad moments and it’s about how you bounce back from them. Jack’s definitely one who knows how to do it.”
Butland, 30, won his first England cap in a friendly against Italy in August 2012. In doing so, he became his country’s youngest ever international goalkeeper, aged 19 years and 158 days.
He would go on to win nine caps in total for England and be part of their 2018 World Cup squad. He has also starred in the Premier League for Stoke City, who signed him for £4million from Birmingham City, and then Crystal Palace.
McArthur insists you do not play at that level unless you are a top-class goalkeeper. He didn’t play last season as injury sidelined him in the first half of the campaign at Palace.
Then he was back-up to David de Gea at Manchester United after his loan switch to Old Trafford. But McArthur believes that lack of game time will just drive him on to show any doubters he can still perform at the highest level.
And he believes he can make a similar impact to Joe Hart who moved to Celtic two years ago after being the back-up goalkeeper at Spurs.
McArthur added: “You don’t play for the teams Jack has and be part of the England set-up if you are not a good keeper. He’s probably found it tough the last couple of years not playing but this is his chance to get back into the limelight and show everyone how good a goalkeeper he is.
“He’ll probably be thinking he has something to prove as well, which is great for Rangers. Winning trophies will obviously be Jack’s aim.
“Joe Hart has done it at Celtic, he went up there after going through a spell when he wasn’t playing as much, like Jack, but has gone to Celtic Park and excelled. I really think that Jack can follow in the same footsteps.”
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