Key Rangers player Ryan Jack has suffered an injury setback which has forced him to pull out of international duty [Scotland National Team].
Jack limped off in the 27th minute of the Gers’ Premiership clash against Dundee United at Ibrox on 21st February and has since missed a number of domestic and European fixtures.
It’s a third separate injury absence of the season for the 29-year-old, who has only managed 24 appearances in all competitions.
Jack missed out on the matchday squad for the Old Firm at the weekend, but it was thought that he was very close to a return, as he had been named in the Scotland squad for World Cup Qualifiers against Austria, Israel and the Faroe Islands.
The midfielder has suffered a setback in his recovery, though, and after it became clear that he wouldn’t be available to feature in any of the three games, he dropped out of the squad on Monday evening.
Backup goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin is now Rangers’ only representative in Steve Clarke’s playing group.
It’s a big blow for Jack with the European Championships on the horizon.
The midfielder has established himself at senior international level over the past year or so and would likely have started two of the three qualifiers.
He’ll now be forced to watch on from home, though, as others battle to grab the manager’s attention ahead of the Euros.
Jack’s next target will be Rangers’ Scottish Cup clash at home to Cove Rangers on 3 April, but it’s unlikely that he’ll be rushed back to face the League One side.
Meanwhile, Rangers are likely to be hit with a triple blow this week as selection headaches beckon for Steven Gerrard.