Jack Butland vs Matt O'Riley: Rangers and Celtic's prized assets

The Old Firm game always throws up an array of extra narratives and among them this weekend are the futures of both clubs' prized assets, as we approach the summer transfer window.

There was intense speculation in January that both Celtic midfielder Matt O'Riley and Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland would leave Scotland, with O'Riley the subject of a significant bid from Atletico Madrid, while Rangers reportedly rejected at least one approach from a Premier League club for Butland.

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers was subsequently forced to speak publicly about keeping O'Riley, while Butland has since admitted he and his agent agreed with Gers' staff that the time was not right to go - but there is expected to be serious interest in both of them again this summer.

The pair have been outstanding for the respective clubs in different ways, with O'Riley's form earning him a breakthrough into the Denmark team while Butland is back on the England radar. Not only are both firmly in the running for Scottish Premiership Player of the Season (the odds currently have O'Riley as favourite), but they could also be running out for their countries at Euro 2024.

But before all that, both players have a crucial game in the hunt for the Scottish Premiership title this weekend, with just a point separating the two sides with eight games left for Rangers and seven for Celtic. Both players will want to come out on top, both in terms of their personal and team performances.

It is almost 12 months ago that Sky Sports highlighted how O'Riley had smashed the data in Scotland on the way to lifting the Premiership title with Celtic, topping the charts on assists, chances created, winning the ball in the final third, and much more.

The test this season would