The goalie’s first season in Scotland has gone really well.
The 31-year-old, James Tavernier, Lawrence Shankland of Hearts, and Matt O’Riley, a midfielder for Celtic, are the other three players on the four-man list.
The England international’s career appeared to plateau after moving to Selhurst Park in 2020. He did not play at all for Crystal Palace the previous season and while a loan with Manchester United.
However, he soon won over the supporters at Ibrox, and England manager Gareth Southgate recently went to watch Rangers and Celtic draw 3–3 in order to assess the goalkeeper’s play.
Regarding his nomination, Butland, who earned his ninth and most recent international cap in 2018, remarked, “It’s an honor.” You have done well because it has been a pleasant year. Although there is fierce rivalry, it’s fun.
“I didn’t set out to accomplish that. For me, the entire process has been about showing off my skills and playing. So far, I believe I have done that rather regularly.
Regarding his nomination, Butland, who earned his ninth and most recent international cap in 2018, remarked, “It’s an honor.” You have done well because it has been a pleasant year. Although there is fierce rivalry, it’s fun.
“I didn’t set out to accomplish that. For me, the entire process has been about showing off my skills and playing. So far, I believe I have done that rather regularly.
“There have been times when I have performed consistently throughout. But compared to many others, this one has undoubtedly been more significant and pivotal.
However, I haven’t really given it that much thought. It’s just been fun for me. I’ve enjoyed every second of it, and I’m even looking forward to the pressure and challenge.
In December, Butland took home a League Cup winners’ medal. Now, he and his Ibrox teammates are competing for additional hardware against Celtic, whom they meet in the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup final and trail by three points in the Premiership.
“Being successful and winning trophies is precisely why you play for this club, so hopefully we can add a few more,” he remarked.
This season, Tavernier has scored 24 goals for Rangers, Shankland has scored 28 goals for Hearts and one for Scotland, and O’Riley has contributed 13 goals and 11 assists.
Four midfielders—David Watson of Kilmarnock, Lennon Miller of Motherwell, Lyall Cameron of Dundee, and Rangers winger Ross McCausland—are on the shortlist for the Young Player award.
Additionally, Kirsty MacLean and Rachel Rowe, two Rangers players, are contenders for the SWPL1 Player of the Year title. The shortlist also includes Hibernian striker Jorian Baucom and Celtic forward Amy Gallacher.
Along with fellow Gers player Mia McAulay, MacLean is also on the shortlist for the SWPL1 Young Player award. Ava Easdon, the goalkeeper for Partick Thistle, and Bayley Hutchison of Aberdeen are also potential candidates.
