It’s late October in 2014 and young Wigan right-back James Tavernier steps up to take his first professional penalty against England Under-21 goalkeeper Jack Butland.
On this occasion, the keeper comes out on top, diving to his right to save a well struck shot, however, it was at a good height for the 20-year old.
Nearly 10 years and considerably different career paths later, James Tavernier and Jack Butland are Rangers teammates working together to bring success back to the club.
When James Tavernier met Jack Butland
After Butland saved in 2014, Tavernier didn’t take another penalty inside the 90 minutes until 2017, meaning that he went five years without missing, only to miss again just a week later in February 2019.
Judge for yourself below, thanks to Rangers History, whether or not you think it was a bad penalty from James Tavernier or a good save by Jack Butland.
After the Wigan v Derby County clash in 2014, the two players went in different routes to end up playing together.
A year later, James Tavernier signed for Rangers under Mark Warburton whereas Jack Butland spent time at Leeds United, Stoke City, Derby County, Crystal Palace and, finally, Manchester United.
The towering keeper looked set to dispose Joe Hart as England’s number one but a dislocated and fractured ankle in 2016 saw him miss a year of football and lose his place in Stoke’s first team.
With only one place available, it isn’t an easy position to get back into if the player infront is doing a good job and it’s the reason why he had to go on loan to get regular game time.
Over the last few seasons though, the nine times capped keeper has barely played but his form since signing for Rangers in the summer proves how much of a coup it was to persuade him to head north.
Asking the question whether or not he could catch Gareth Southgate’s attention.
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