It’s not every day you get outspoken ex-Celtic striker Chris Sutton speaking positively about Rangers.
The former Parkhead hitman has made a post-playing career out of baiting Rangers supporters and questionable conspiracy theories about referees.
Sutton has also been decidedly quiet following the release of this week’s latest independent VAR review.
But whilst you can bet Chris Sutton’s latest Daily Record column would’ve placed the technology front and centre had it been Celtic and not Rangers stiffed by referees, to his credit the columnist has singled out two Ibrox stars of the season for praise.
Sutton talks up Butland and Tavernier
As the campaign winds to a close, we are fast approaching awards’ season in Scottish football.
This week, the PFA Scotland Player of the Year nominees were announced with Scottish football’s professionals asked to vote on four names to be earn the gong.
These include Rangers duo James Tavernier and Jack Butland, whilst Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley and Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland are also nominated.
And it’s the Ibrox nominees which have been the focus of praise from Chris Sutton, who claims there can be ‘no arguments’ about their involvement in the Player of the Year running.
“At Rangers, no arguments with Jack Butland and James Tavernier,” writes Sutton as part of his latest Daily Record column.
“Butland has been terrific for virtually all of the campaign and he has made big saves at big times.
“If he hadn’t made that reflex stop from St Mirren’s James Bolton in Paisley six days ago with the score locked at 1-1, the title race might be nearly done.
“Tavernier’s numbers are remarkable. For a full-back to provide so many assists is magnificent, even if I have my doubts defensively.”
Rangers-linked star is ‘Player of the Year’
Whilst we’re on the subject of Chris Sutton and Player of the Year, the outspoken former Celtic striker also gave his pick for the award.
You might’ve been expecting him to side with midfielder Matt O’Riley, but instead Sutton has claimed it’s 28-goal Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland who deserves the gong.
Claiming that Hearts would not be where they are without him, it certainly says something about how much the Tynecastle club stand to lose should links to Rangers eventually be realised.
“No question Celtic and Rangers have benefitted from having those three,” writes Sutton. “But I just don’t think they benefit as much as Hearts do with Shankland.
“Put it another way. Take them out of their respective sides and they might get away with it. Take Shankland out of Hearts and you lose much, much more.”
The striker is set to visit Celtic Park this afternoon, and let’s hope Chris Sutton has got this particular call right!
