Scotland boss Steve Clarke has dropped a major hint that a Rangers first-teamer has been affected amid a spate of Covid-19 positives at the club.
The Gers revealed yesterday that they had recorded a number of positive tests inside Ibrox with those affected and their close contacts self-isolating.
“Rangers can confirm that during our testing schedule, we have received positive COVID-19 tests,” reads a statement [Rangers].
“Those identified as positive are now in self isolation along with ‘close contacts’.
“We have followed best practice in our procedures and protocols. From the outset of the pandemic, Rangers has worked closely with the Scottish Government and Scottish football to ensure the health of our staff is protected at all times. We will continue to do so.”
Rangers fans will be watching closely to see who boards the plane to Armenia this afternoon with the outbreak coming at a particularly bad time for the club.
The Gers face an important double-header this week with the club travelling to Alashkert in the Europa League Playoff before hosting Old Firm rivals Celtic in the Scottish Premiership.
Gers fans will be hoping the most important players in the squad are unaffected but Steve Clarke hinted that first-team goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin could be amongst those involved.
McLaughlin, 33, is a regular in Clarke’s Scotland set-up and Tartan Army boss Clarke revealed the keeper hadn’t been selected due to a “little issue” at Ibrox.
“Jon has a little issue at Rangers and Rangers told us he wasn’t available so Jon misses out as well,” said Clarke [Scotsman].
“Jon is always in the squad, he has actually played a few games this season as well. I saw him play at Tannadice.
“I think Jon is expecting to play a few more games this season so hopefully he is back playing quickly and again, when Jon is fit and available he will be at the front of my mind for selection.”
Goalkeeper David Marshall has also been dropped from the squad with St Johnstone’s Zander Clarke and Motherwell’s Liam Kelly called up to replace them.
However, whilst speculation will persist until the club confirm who has been affected, McLaughlin was ruled out of the weekend’s win with Ross County through injury.
