Three Rangers players are set to feature in the exciting upcoming Nations League fixture between Northern Ireland and Romania in Bucharest.
The international break is rarely welcomed by club supporters, but there’s plenty for Bears to look forward to over the coming days.
Jon McLaughlin and Ryan Jack could both feature for Scotland in their Nations League opener against Israel on Friday evening but there’s an alternative viewing option in League B Group 1.
Ian Barraclough takes charge of his first fixture as Northern Ireland manager and two Gers are likely to play a big role.
Captain, Steven Davis, will move to one behind legendary goalkeeper Pat Jennings’ record of 119 appearances for the country with a start in midfield [Belfast Telegraph], while Jordan Jones will also be hoping to get the nod after a period away from the international arena.
Jones made a substitute appearance for the Gers in their Europa League last 16 defeat at Bayer Leverkusen but hasn’t played a minute in the Premiership this season. He’s likely to be rusty but should be raring to go.
Former Rangers striker Kyle Lafferty, who now plays for Reggina, is also in Barraclough’s squad.
Meanwhile, Ianis Hagi is set to line up for the opposition.
The 21-year-old is looking to push on past the 10 senior cap mark for Romania and has every chance of being included from the start in his nation’s capital.
Hagi has endured a difficult start to the season but after scoring against Hamilton at the weekend, his confidence should have received a boost.
The fixture may be taking place behind closed doors, but it’s set to be an intriguing battle with 36th-ranked Northern Ireland only a solitary place above Romania in the FIFA World Rankings.
Both nations will be in action again on Monday evening, with Davis and Jones taking on Norway at home and Hagi facing Austria in Klagenfurt.
