Liam Kelly in defiant Rangers vow as he admits 'disbelief' at transfer return

Liam Kelly has vowed to push Jack Butland all the way for the Rangers number one jersey after signing on.

The 28-year-old has gone full circle after beginning his career at Ibrox before leaving in the search of first-team football and turning out for Livingston, QPR and Motherwell. After latterly becoming the Steelmen's captain, he moved on at the end of last season an it was soon reported Gers were on his trail.

With Jon McLaughlin out the door and Robby McCrorie possibly to follow, Philippe Clement needed to bring in competition for Butland as he looks for reinforcements in basically every position. The Englishman has been told he will captain the club IF James Tavernier moves on and is unlikely to lose the gloves.

But Kelly isn't about to just suit about and accept being number two. He insists he is there to challenge the former Manchester United loanee.

Asked about joining the club, he told Rangers TV: "Probably a bit of disbelief. You always have faith that you can play at the top level and I back myself to be here. I am obviously joining a really talent group of players and a really talented group of goalkeepers as well. So, I am excited to join that and see what can happen over the next couple of years.

"I want to push the goalkeepers that are here. I know Jack had an unbelievable season last year, I played against him and he was probably the best goalkeeper in the league last year. I am aware of that, so hopefully I can push him on even further and that will bring benefits to the team anyway.