Mark Warburton may have departed Rangers seven year’s ago - but the Englishman has still been keeping a close eye on the Light Blues. 

Goalkeeper Jack Butland looks set to be brought back into the England national team set-up when Gareth Southgate names his squad to face Brazil and Belgium on Thursday. 

Butland, 31, has been the standout from Rangers' summer recruitment - arriving on a free transfer after being released by Crystal Palace. He has been in scintillating form which has helped the Govan outfit propel to the top of the Scottish Premiership table.

Warburton, who managed Rangers between 2015 and 2017, reckons it’s no surprise to see Butland closing in on a England recall for the first time since June 2019.

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“I wouldn’t disagree," Warburton told ScotScore Podcast. “I think Nick Pope’s injury has hurt Newcastle and England. 

“You look at Ramsdale, losing his spot to David Raya at Arsenal. That’s one area where Gareth can compare, he can look at the games where he’s pulled off some tremendous saves. 

“Look at that Kilmarnock game, the one on one save he pulls off. He’s had a tremendous season and he’s upset a lot of people in terms of how he has turned around his game. Got back to his very best. 

“I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see him in the squad.”