Jack Butland has opened up on his 'really enjoyable' start at Rangers.
The former Crystal Palace and Manchester United goalkeeper penned a pre-contract agreement to make the move to Ibrox and he officially got his new chapter underway on July 1. The England cap has been in training over the past couple of days with a host of his new team-mates and fellow summer recruits as the hard work begins.
Michael Beale is looking to build a squad that can end Celtic's domestic dominance with Brendan Rodgers out to replicate his first trophy laden spell in charge and continue the successful blueprint from the past two seasons left by Ange Postecoglou.
Butland is one of five new recruits in the door to date with Kieran Dowell, Dujon Sterling, Sam Lammers and Abdullah Sima the others. Cyriel Dessers is expected to join imminently with Beale assuring fans the signings won't stop with another two or three targeted.
Allan McGregor's exit leaves a big goalkeeping void after his success over the years across two stints. New recruit Butland is out to make the No1 jersey his own and showcase his qualities with Robby McCrorie battling him for the gloves. Jon McLaughlin is also still on the books but is one who could leave along with other fringe men.
On his first few training sessions and the 'incredible' fan support so far, he told the Rangers official website: “It has been really good, obviously since the day I signed there has been no shortage of support and Rangers fans I didn't know existed sort of came out of the woodwork, the support has been incredible.
"Obviously there was a few weeks to wait before we got in and since coming in it has been exactly what I expected and more.
"There is a lot to learn still and a lot more discover, but so far the lads are brilliant, the way they work and what they learn off the manager and the way the group feels is really positive and it has been a really enjoyable start."
Rangers will face two qualifying rounds in the Champions League to book a seat at the top table once again this season with Butland fully focused on achieving that goal.
He added: “It is massive European football, I have heard about the European nights at Ibrox, it goes without saying, it is an important part of the club, they have had some great moments over the years in Europe, and we are looking to continue that and we have got an opportunity to do that.
“That was certainly a massive point for me, it is sort of guaranteed either way but that is not our focus to rely on that, we want to get to the Champions League.”
