Rangers star Jon McLaughlin has found himself at the centre of a politician’s thinking after being called up the Scotland national team.
The Ibrox number two – who is called upon much more often than your standard back-up keeper – was recalled to Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad after missing out on the last team.
Clarke explained this was due to a “little issue” at Ibrox amid reports of a Covid-19 outbreak at the club and the Scotland boss did claim McLaughlin would be in consideration for future squads.
Naturally, McLaughlin was recalled to the Scotland set-up for this international break and that has been at the expense of St Johnstone goalie Zander Clark.
However, the decision had not been met well by SNP MSP Gavin Newlands who has fumed at the Saints goalie being dropped.
https://twitter.com/GavNewlandsSNP/status/1442845875211055111
“Utterly farcical decision. Not only is @Zanderr1 a better keeper than both Kelly & McLaughlin, he’s playing regularly & in top form which u can’t say about Liam & Jon,” tweeted Newlands.
“How are clubs like St Johnstone supposed to keep our best players if they must move to get Scotland recognition?”
Newlands – according to the SNP website – is said to be “a proud St Johnstone fan” despite the MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire being Paisley born.
The MP is certainly entitled to his opinion but Steve Clarke clearly doesn’t agree after recalling McLaughin to his squad.
The 34-year-old Ibrox keeper – who has two caps – has been called up for the World Cup qualifiers against Israel (h) and the Faroe Islands (a).
McLaughlin also isn’t the only Rangers player called up for World Cup duties with the keeper one of three players called up for their countries on the same day.