When Rangers got here beneath siege within the first half towards Panathinaikos, Jack Butland stood sturdy.
The goalkeeper started the Russell Martin period in imposing trend, preserving the Greeks at bay as Rangers roused themselves after the break to cleave out a 2-0 result in take to Greece for subsequent week’s second leg of the Champions League qualifier.
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Having ended final season within the wilderness beneath interim boss Barry Ferguson after being displaced as first selection by Liam Kelly, has the arrival of Russell Martin revitalised Butland’s Ibrox profession?
The early indicators are promising. The previous England primary made 4 saves – three of them diving stops – towards Panathinaikos and was additionally aided by the submit as Nemanja Maksimovic wasted a gilt-edged early likelihood.
All Butland’s saves got here from photographs contained in the field, highlighting his sharp reflexes, as he stored a clear sheet in Martin’s managerial bow regardless of the guests registering an xG (anticipated targets) of 1.65.
Martin praised the “excellent” keeper’s impression, saying: “We wanted Jack a few occasions, large moments within the first half, he made a few good saves,” and vowed Rangers “will enhance” within the second leg.
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Martin’s imprint was clear within the first-leg victory with Rangers having 75% possession and making a complete of 708 passes in comparison with Panathinaikos’ 217.
However the Greeks confirmed far higher risk within the opening half – and ended the sport with a better xG and extra touches within the opposition field than Rangers – and there stays “tons to work on” as Martin himself put it.
[BBC]