JACK CAN FOLLOW HIS HART TO GLORY AT IBROX

Fergie was on Brum books with both Old Firm keepers and reckons Butland has big personality to copy Joe's revival

- DAVID MCCARTHY

BARRY FERGUSON played alongside Allan McGregor often enough to know Jack Butland has big gloves to fill.

But having been at Birmingham when a super confident 17-year-old Butland was trying to make his big breakthrough, the Ibrox hero has no doubt Michael Beale recruited the right man for the job to replace the keeper he believes is the best he's played with.

And Ferguson, who also played in front of Joe Hart when the Celtic No.1 joined the Blues on loan from Manchester City in the same 2009-10 season, reckons Butland showcases the same big personality that has made the Parkhead keeper such a success since his move north of the border.

Bristol-born Butland, who has nine England caps, arrives at Ibrox as a 30-year-old with a wealth of experience but precious little game time in the last few seasons.

That's all about to change and Ferguson believes the keeper, whose last spell was on loan at Manchester United from Crystal Palace, will have experienced nothing like the intensity of the Old Firm title race he'll be pitched into next season.

He said: "Rangers have got a keeper who has played at a high level. But what I always say is he won't have experienced anything like he is going to find in the west of Scotland.

"There is a pressure that is unique to playing for Rangers or Celtic. That need to win every single game isn't something you find anywhere else.

"When he goes out there at Ibrox and that place is full, he won't have experienced anything like it.

"I know he was at Manchester United but he won't experience anything like an Ibrox full house.