GOALKEEPER Jack Butland insists tonight’s clean sheet was a team effort as Rangers picked-up a point away to Sparta Prague in the UEFA Europa League.
It was a goalless draw in the Czech capital, with Butland pulling off some crucial saves in the first-half, before Rangers almost found a breakthrough after half-time with Sam Lammers and Danilo coming close.
Speaking to RangersTV after the game, Butland said: “It is a good result, after a couple of days training in the three at the back and to do it tonight I think the boys adapted well and they took on board what the manager wanted us to do.
“We spoke at half-time about it not working quite how we wanted it to and things we needed to change, and we were a lot better in the second-half, we created more opportunities and we were braver on the ball. To come to a place like this after a disappointing result in our last away game and to get a point is important.
“I thought the boys defended brilliantly and to come away with a clean sheet in a tough atmosphere like that is really important. There are a few things I want to tidy up myself but that is all part and parcel of it .
“I thought we defended brilliantly. Yes, I have had to make a few saves, but I thought the lad’s defending was awesome. There were some huge blocks and last ditch defending which you need at this level.
“Teams are going to get chances and it is about what you with it and we defended really well so the clean sheet is everyone's it is the way the manager works, the strikers help us out and so on and so forth.”
Looking back on the past few weeks since Philippe Clement took over as manager, Butland feels the squad have made a good start but need to continue to build on recent performances as they adapt the new boss’ way of playing.
He continued: “It has been a fresh start for everyone, some boys needed it, and I have been impressed.
"We know there's a lot more that he wants to work on, but he is conscious of giving us too much right now, so I think we are taking on board what he is trying to get over to us and doing a good job of it.
"It has been a good start and now it is up to us to make sure that continues.”