The form of midfielder Scott Arfield has been huge for Rangers since the restart and the player’s own World Cup sacrifice with Canada highlights the ex-Burnley man’s commitment.
Now in his fourth season at Rangers, the one-time Canadian international captain has often been underrated not only within Ibrox but outside it too.
In fact, Arfield’s status as a former Canadian international perhaps symbolises this more than anything else, the ex-Falkirk kid always ignored by the Scotland national team and opting to choose Canada when the call-up never came.
But despite impressing on that stage with an increasingly impressive Canada team, the Rangers midfielder opted to focus on the Ibrox club in announcing his retirement recently.
In total Scott Arfield made 19 appearances for Canada, scoring twice.
At 33, given the travel constraints it’s a wise move but in doing so to focus on Rangers – something we’ve felt the benefit of already – the player’s World Cup dream could all but be over.
Scott Arfield chooses Rangers as Canada edge closer to World Cup
Every footballer wants to play at the World Cup and Scott Arfield’s Canada premonition appears to be coming true as the Canucks continue to impress in qualification for Qatar 2022.
Sitting top of CONCACAF World Cup Qualification, after the latest round of fixtures Canada remain unbeaten after wins over Honduras, the USA and El Salvador, scoring six without reply.
The recent three game winning run means Canada need only one point from their final three games against Costa Rica, Jamaica and Panama after winning seven of eleven matches.
The safe money is on the nation qualifying for only their second World Cup since the Mexico tournament of 1986.
What’s more, the country will also qualify for the tournament in 2026, with the USA, Mexico and Canada all set to co-host the games.
Led by Lille striker Jonathon David and Bayern Munich full-back Alphonso Davies, this youthful Canada team are set to breathe new life in the nation’s football and have two World Cups to look forward.
Because of a commitment to Rangers, midfielder Scott Arfield will not be involved in the next one and it speaks volumes about his contribution to Ibrox.
With discussions ongoing regarding a new contract at Rangers, even conjecture over Arfield’s future at the club contributes to this notion that Scotty is serially underrated and underappreciated.
If Rangers are to go on and retain the title it’ll be in no small part down to the contribution of Scott Arfield, but as Canada edge closer to a World Cup, we should respect that sacrifice too.
Scott Arfield has made 168 appearances for Rangers, scoring 33 goals and laying on 18 assists.
Meanwhile, a former England youth international remains in Rangers’ plans despite links to a team of Premier League hopefuls in January.
