International break is upon us, and Scotland are one win away from the play-offs after Thursday’s crucial win. Scotland have been grinding out results this year, and have seriously put themselves in contention for a place at Russia next year.
As a Scottish person of course this is excellent, as for Scottish football as a whole it would be some much needed positivity were we to find ourselves there. Credit where credit is due, despite being under a lot of media scrutiny, (at times deservedly so….Lithuania 1-1 at home) but Strachan has dragged Scotland back in with a shout.
It has actually been a similar situation to Pedro Caixinha at times, with the team often being one loss away from a crisis, but grinding out the wins when needed. However, it is disappointing to not see any Rangers players in the Scotland squad. It could be argued that it benefits Rangers in the sense that our players are fresher for when we return, and Caixinha’s training regimes are largely uninterrupted.
I think, however it is a better thing if they are playing. These are high pressure games, against some high quality European players. This can only improve you as a player, to play in such an environment. I can confidently say that Graham Dorrans, Ryan Jack, Lee Wallace could definitely play at international level. Even Danny Wilson if he can somehow force his way into the team (centre half is definitely a position Scotland are lacking in), and Ross McCrorie is one for the future.
These players just need to find some more consistency in their performances for Rangers. We have seen they have the talent in glimpses so far this season, and if they can show that by helping Rangers climb up the Scottish Premiership I am confident they can get in the squad. It can only help Rangers too if we have some players motivated to play in a World Cup!