What Kelly told Butland in emotional Rangers embrace (2025)

The two keepers embraced at full-time and it's safe to say there was no bad blood

Liam Kelly reckons he re-lived genuine Jack Butland’s Fenerbahce moment as he thanked his glove pal for backing and helping him be the hero.

The keeper repaid the faith of boss Barry Ferguson with a stunning late penalty stop from Athletic sub Alex Berenguer having received the call to replace the axed Englishman.

Despite his disappointment at being left out, Butland was one of the first to congratulate Kelly at full-time with respect between the pair evident.

In the previous round, it was the deposed No.1 who produced the spot-kick heroics against the Turks during the nerve-shredding shootout.

This time, it was Kelly who came up big and the pair joked about it afterwards as the hero outlined his admiration and tipped him to come back stronger.

Asked what was said during the post-match exchange, Kelly said: “Just kind of laughing as if to say, my God, what a night. I said to him, his Fenerbahce was me tonight. You get that amazing moment as a goalkeeper and he was so pleased for me. He’s such a genuine guy as well. Big thanks to him, big thanks to all the goalkeeping group

“Listen, me and Jack have got a great relationship. It’s not an easy position to get into when you’ve got the goalie who was the best in the league by an absolute mile last year.

“If something difficult is happening, then something good is always on the corner. Big Jack is an incredible goalie, he’s got absolutely everything in his game.

“We all go through difficult moments. I stepped in, but he’s an amazing goalie. He’s a big help to me and I learn so much from him.

“I’m well aware of the quality. He’s an incredible goalie. He’s got every blinking attribute you’d love as a goalie. Amazing goalie, amazing guy.

“Obviously going through a bit of a difficult moment, but big Jack will be back amazing again like he was last year.”

There was major drama prior to the penalty when Berenguer had the ball in the net before it was ruled out and the spot-kick awarded.

Kelly leaned on work and assistance from Butland and coach Allan McGregor at that point as he said: “I couldn’t really work it out to be honest what had happened. But as soon as you see VAR getting involved you know the goal isn't happening.

“So there’s going to be a change in something. I was hoping there was going to be an offside because when I made the save I wasn’t sure if that boy was in offside who was behind me.

“I just wanted to help the team because you saw how much effort they put in. We do a lot of homework with Greegsy and Jack and thanks to them for their help. Pick a side as Greegsy always says and just go.”

Kelly was superb through the encounter even before capping his display with that fabulous finale as Rangers survived the red card of Robin Propper.

But he stayed calm and explained: “It is one of those ones that, because it is only half-time in the tie, you don’t want to be too high. But a really good night from everybody. Collectively some effort. They are a top, top team and down to 10 men it is never easy.

“I think Robin makes a genuine attempt to stop the boy going through on goal, so unfortunately, goes off and then just dig in, grind. Classic Rangers performance in Europe. Just over the moon still to be in the tie.

“I don’t feel pressure for me, I just feel pressure for my team-mates. I don’t want to let them down, they’re the ones doing all the running.

“You just want to give them a chance in the game, so I didn’t want to cause any dramas, I didn’t want to be involved in the game at all. A good game for a goalie is one you’re not involved in.

“I wanted to go under the radar, obviously the penalty save takes that away, but that’s the life of a goalie.

“I’ve had much better games in terms of stuff to do. In terms of the actual general feeling, right up there, I’ve been here my whole life. I came to Rangers at eight years old and to play in a European quarter-final, save a penalty at Ibrox and draw 0-0 with 10 men, it’s an incredible feeling.

“I might not seem too happy, but it’s only because it’s half-time. I can’t be like pure jumping about and then something happens and we get beat next week. That’s not what we want.

“We want to dig in again the way Rangers do. Keep listening to the gaffer’s message. Tactically, we were really good. We’ve managed to stay alive in the tie and that’s the most important thing.”

Rangers’ display was a strong response to recent stick dished out after five straight home losses and Kelly added: “Obviously I’m aware there’s been criticism and rightfully so. We’re so far behind in the league. That’s on us as players. We are inconsistent as a group. We’re aware of that.

“We had a good talk on Monday though. A lot of things were addressed. A lot of things that had to be said were said. A lot of boys spoke up. Well into double figures the amount of people that spoke up.

“We’re all desperate for the same thing and that’s for Rangers to win. We never won tonight, it’s half-time in the game. It’s a tie we’re looking forward to next week, but Aberdeen (on Sunday) comes first.”