Jack Butland confesses Celtic title reality hit 'like a ton of bricks' as he gets honest over Rangers rollercoaster

Jack Butland's first season in Scotland has provided as many dollops of delight as it has dunts of despair.

Whether it ends in a face-saving Hampden high or another sickener in the Scottish Cup Final is all that remains to be decided. But one way or another, the Rangers No1 is adamant he will look back on his debut campaign at Ibrox and take satisfaction from a job well done. The Englishman made his move north of the border last summer after a year warming a seat in the stand with Manchester United’s fringemen.

The two seasons before that at Crystal Palace served only to frustrate as he juggled injury issues with dips in form. But while this term’s events in Glasgow have also ebbed and flowed for Rangers, Butland deserves plaudits having emerged as the club’s one constant, the dependable figure of security at the back while those in front took turns losing the plot. His stand-out moments include a Viaplay Cup winners’ medal - the first prize of his career - a starring role in the Europa League run that took Gers to the last 16 and 57 appearances out of the 58 Gers have so far played this year.

There could yet be a second trophy to add to the highlights reel if the Ibrox side can pull off a first Old Firm win of the season on their final day of term next Saturday. But even if they do, the fact remains that the pride of a potential cup double is likely to be outweighed by the gloom of having allowed Celtic to wrap another league crown up in their stubborn grasp. Whatever happens, though, Butland can rest assured he’s done everything he can to aid the Ibrox cause.

“Listen I’ve loved it,” he insisted after pulling the curtain down on Gers’ Premiership campaign with a fittingly bonkers 3-3 draw at Tynecastle. “It’s been