Cammy Bell believes Michael Beale has goalkeeper Jack Butland to thank for still being in position as Rangers manager.
The Englishman has suffered a rough start to the season with the Ibrox club crashing out of the Champions League, losing to Celtic in the Scottish Premiership.
Beale's new signings have also come under fire, but Butland has been an exception and the Gers support have been impressed by the former Manchester United and Stoke City man.
Bell has also been impressed and he reckons the former England international will go on to become a key player in Govan.
“It’s been a difficult start for Michael Beale and I’m pretty sure he will be thankful that Jack Butland has turned up and put in the performances they were expecting when he signed,” Bell told the Daily Record. "I always thought he would be a good signing for Rangers and so far he’s proving it.
“For me, he ticks a lot of boxes. With Allan McGregor retiring Rangers were losing a very experienced keeper who’d proved he can handle big occasions but Butland was someone who matched that.
“He’s been at big clubs, he’s an internationalist, he’s handled big occasions. He’s had a little bit of adversity in his career but that’s only made him into a strong character like Greegsy. It’s been a really good bit of recruitment for Rangers and I’m not surprised by the way he’s started the season.
“Michael Beale would have been desperate to get him in the door knowing he could produce big performances. For me, he was the only one of the signings I thought he would be guaranteed to get that from because he’s done it before at such a high level.
“And you have to take your hat off to him as he’s come in and done that, making big saves in games against Servette, PSV and even against Celtic last week. Things could be a lot worse without those saves. But he’s going to have to continuously do that as a Rangers goalkeeper.”
Despite being impressed by Butland's instant impact at Ibrox, Bell cannot say the same about the rest of Rangers' summer signings.
He continued: “Jack’s a very confident and assured goalkeeper and he always looks to come and command his box.
“He’s got big frame and uses that stature well when he comes to collect all those crosses we’ve seen.
“There’s been times when the Ibrox defence have looked a bit frantic but he brings a calmness that I like. But most importantly I think he’s a top shot-stopper.
“We seem to get caught up with a lot of stuff when it comes to goalkeeping these days, especially on stuff like whether they are good with their feet.
“But for me, to play for the top teams you still have to be a top shot-stopper and that’s ultimately what’s required. And Butland is a goalie who I think has that match-winning save in his locker, just as Allan McGregor did for so many years.
“That’s when Rangers goalie’s are judged and right now he’s passing the test. The other players are going to have to get up to his standard – and quick. Everyone has been a bit surprised by the performances from the other new signings.
“Of course it always takes time for new players to adjust to Scottish football. Jack Butland maybe has an edge on them having played down south, meaning it should be an easier transition period.
“But there’s no getting away from it, we expected a lot more from the other signings that have come in. They haven’t hit the ground running yet.
“Michael Beale will have had some time during the international break to reset, refresh and try to lift the levels of performances. But it has to happen now as he can’t wait any longer. He is under pressure knows that himself.
“He has to win games between now and the winter break - and probably can’t afford to lose any more. He’s spent a lot of money on these players and he now needs them to justify that. He’s given them his faith and they haven’t performed for him.”
