Goalkeeper Jack Butland has said that discussions with Rangers management have left him feeling good about the future direction of the Ibrox club.
Coach Philippe Clement has to rebuild his squad after finishing second behind Celtic last season and several regular players leaving the club this summer.
Butland himself was quoted in February as saying that he and the Glasgow club had rejected an offer from Nottingham Forest to offer him his services in January.
When asked about his future at the club, the 31-year-old England international said: “I think we have a good relationship. We definitely have an idea of what we want to achieve and ultimately I want to be successful here.”
“We’ve had conversations. My conversations with the club have been about what we’re doing, where we’re going, how far we’re going and how far we’re going.
“With every player at every club, that’s what you want to know – ambition. For me, there’s no doubt about that. I’m looking forward to the season and playing as well as I can.”
Butland revealed that he was able to speak to club directors personally to “give them information”.
“I’m not worried but it’s good to talk to these people and know where the club is, what direction it’s going and what optimism it has,” he said as he prepared for the second leg of the Champions League third qualifying round against Dynamo Kyiv. “As a player there are things you want to know and be part of.”
“I hope that sometimes my opinion is heard and counts and that it’s a good relationship. I really enjoy the way things are going.”
Rangers coach Philippe Clement, whose team drew 1-1 with Dynamo in the first leg last week, is happy that Butland sees his future at Ibrox.
“It’s important and it also shows that we’re on the right track,” he said, pointing out that other opportunities would arise for players of Butland’s quality if “things don’t go in the right direction”.
“Jack senses what’s going on in the building, what’s going on in the club and the team, how things are developing here in every respect. Things that the fans can’t see because they only see the game and the result.”
“I think it’s a really big signal that someone says that after his season and with his quality. I think it has a really symbolic meaning.”
