JACK BUTLAND felt like Rangers had lost their voice when they waved goodbye to Connor Goldson.
But the Ibrox No.1 reckons his side are ready to roar again now that John Souttar has stepped up to have a major say for Philippe Clement's team.
Defensive stalwart Goldson didn't only serve as the beating heart of the Light Blues backline during his six-year stint in Glasgow but was also the booming mouthpiece bellowing out orders to those around him.
It was no surprise then to see Rangers appear rudderless in the early days of the season without the vice-captainshipped off to Aris Limassol for £1.5million-helping to steer the Ibrox vessel forward.
But Clement's team appear to be finally back heading in the right direction with Scotland stopper John Souttar and ex-FC Twente defender Robin Propper now established as the club's first-choice centre-back pairing.
Souttar has taken on the leadership role in Goldson's absence and it's paying off, with Gers having recorded four straight clean sheets since their Parkhead pasting.
And Butland is glad to have someone in front of him who certainly knows what he's talking about. He said: "John and Robin have both been brilliant.
"For someone like Robin to come in, he's an experienced defender. He has played for some great clubs in his career and at good levels as well.
"He has stepped in and I thinkwe've seen the best of him - and there's even more to come.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Any one of us can get the boot
Thelin keeps Shinnie on toes before 13 bid
IT'S NOT MY CALL TO AXE ERIK
Ratcliffe refusing to back under-fire boss
SIGHT SAVER
Woman could have lost eye if treatment had been delayed
I TRIED
Secret Service agent's regrets over the assassination of JFK
CRASH OAP ROBBED BY HEALTH WORKER
Nursing assistant dodges jail over callous theft
MEAL FIT FOR A KING
THE chance to dine like the King at Balmoral Castle has sold out within days.
Stella loses right to roam home fight
McCartney £5m mansion privacy blow
LORD LUCAN: THE NANNY'S STORY
Builder who lost mum hunts peer 50 years on
Sir Jackie's £4m to dementia research
SIR Jackie Stewart has announced £4.2million worth of funding to help find a cure for dementia.
A sorry excuse
Unrepentant Johnson says he regrets apologising for parties