'If you want to write Rangers off, go for it': Jack Butland is happy as an underdog

Jack Butland insists Rangers will happily be written off by doubters as they prepare to host French side Lyon on Thursday night.

While struggling to compete with Old Firm rivals Celtic on the domestic front, the Light Blues have turned in some of their best performances of recent years on the European stage, with the Europa League a particular source of success.

Rangers beat Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig on their way to the final in 2022 only to lose to Eintracht Frankfurt in a penalty shootout and made it to the last 16 of the competition last season, topping a group which included Real Betis before falling short against Portuguese giants Benfica.

Butland, who joined the club from Crystal Palace in 2023, helped Rangers to a convincing 2-0 win over Swedish side Malmo in their opening game of the revamped Europa League last Thursday and is now looking forward to another big European night at Ibrox.

Asked why he thought Rangers were often able to compete with bigger teams or clubs from bigger leagues, the 31-year-old said: “The challenge, The underdog story.

“People that don’t think you can, and I think that is something that keeps this club coming back.

“If you want to write us off, go for it.

“But we’ll relish the challenge and that is certainly something that we have done in European games and we need to continue in all competitions that we are in.

“They are great opportunities for people to perform and showcase what they are about, which we have done, and hopefully we can do a little bit more this year.

“It is huge, it is games and teams with huge stars, huge budgets, European credentials, and for us, it is an opportunity to test ourselves.

“It is something we have never shied away from. Any player in the squad will tell you it’s an exciting night, an exciting night for the club and we are looking forward to it.

“As a player, I didn’t get the chance to personally compete in European football. I witnessed some of it at Manchester United a couple of years ago, but to be able to perform in these games and be a part of them is something special.

“Everyone steps up, fans and players alike, and we are looking forward to it.”