Rangers star Malik Tillman has not been included in the USA squad for the upcoming international break despite the Bayern Munich loanee’s fine post-World Cup form.
The 20-year-old attacking midfielder has been a key player for Rangers in the second half of the season but has been unable to bounce back from the disappointment of missing out on the trip to Qatar.
Instead, USA coach Gregg Berhalter has opted to stick with the likes of Leeds United duo Weston McKennie and Brendan Aaronson, with Borussia Dortmund talent Claudio Reyna recalled for the matches with Grenada (A) and El Salvador (H).
Interestingly, the absence of Celtic defender Cameron Carter-Vickers has also raised questions about the perception of Scottish football on the international stage.
Malik Tillman suffers USA snub
Since the World Cup, Malik Tillman has caught the attention of USA supporters with a string of impressive performances for Rangers, scoring five goals and laying on two assists.
But it has not been enough to convince Gregg Berhalter to recall him to the USA national team squad, with Malik Tillman earning four caps for the country.
Similarly, it is widely accepted that Celtic defender Cameron Carter-Vickers has been on fine form at Parkhead, so the absence of both players points to a lack of trust in the quality of football on offer in Scotland.
Malik Tillman has also been suffering with a hamstring injury of late, but Michael Beale did confirm following the victory over Raith Rovers that the USA star is in line to return v Motherwell.
The USA might’ve reached the knockout stages of the World Cup, being knocked out in the last 16 by the Netherlands, but there was a perception they lacked the creativity the likes of Malik Tillman might’ve brung.
But for the time being the country is pressing on without the influential Rangers loanee, who the Ibrox side might have to pay Bayern up to £6.2m to sign in the summer.
Meanwhile, the brother of Malik Tillman has been breaking a former Rangers star’s heart in the MLS.