We’re at the midway point in the March international break and Rangers stars are certainly enjoying mixed fortunes out on the road.
There are no fewer than 11 players out representing Rangers in the final international break of the season before Rangers head to Dundee in the Scottish Premiership this weekend.
Well, 12 if you include that late call-up for Mohamed Diomande with the Ivory Coast.
After the first round of international fixtures was completed, we’ve singled out three winners and three losers who’ll be looking to make an impact in the second round of matches.
John Souttar ✅
Scotland defender John Souttar put in a monumental performance v Greece as he continues to make a big impression at the heart of the Tartan Army’s defence.
The Rangers defender, 28, is amongst the first names on Steve Clarke’s teamsheet at present after a string of top performances for the Scotland national team.
Clarke hailed Souttar’s partnership with Grant Hanley in Piraeus, with the Rangers centre-back helping to keep a crucial clean sheet in a famous 1-0 UEFA Nations League away day victory.
Next match: Scotland v Greece (UEFA Nations League)
Kick-off: Sunday 23rd March (5PM GMT)
Nicolas Raskin ✅
Nicolas Raskin has been a top Rangers performer this season and came off the bench to make his Belgium debut against Ukraine this week.
Raskin replaced Celtic midfielder Arne Engels in the Red Devils squad but was powerless to resist as the Belgians fell to a 3-1 defeat to Ukraine.
Rangers star Raskin was subbed on with Belgium already 3-1 down but did impress Rudi Garcia, with Belgium needing to replace the suspended Youri Tielemans for the second leg of the UEFA Nations League Playoff tie.
Next match: Belgium v Ukraine (UEFA Nations League)
Kick-off: Sunday 23rd March (7:45PM GMT)
Hamza Igamane ✅
Hamza Igamane went into the international break on a high having lashed in a late Old Firm winner at Celtic Park.
The 22-year-old Morocco international has also continued that into international duties too, with Igamane impressing Morocco staff during international training.
Handed a debut in Morocco’s late 2-1 World Cup Qualifying win over Morocco, Igamane has been praised by Walid Regragui and will be hoping to build on that exposure against Tanzania.
Next match: Morocco v Tanzania (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
Kick-off: Tuesday 25th March (9:30PM GMT)
Nedim Bajrami ❌
It’s not every day you’re branded a loser despite turning out at Wembley but Nedim Bajrami has brought his Rangers slump onto the international stage with Albania.
The talented attacker has struggled in recent weeks at Ibrox and Bajrami was criticised online for his performance in the 2-0 defeat to England in World Cup Qualifying.
It’s just not happening for the former Sassuolo star at this present moment but Bajrami is a key player for Albania and is expected to return for their next match v Andorra.
Next match: Albania v Andorra (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
Kick-off: Monday 24th March (7:45PM GMT)
Tom Lawrence ❌
Tom Lawrence claims personal issues with Rob Page kept him out of the Wales set up for years but Craig Bellamy is making the midfielder wait on a return.
Ibrox loanee Rabbi Matondo made headlines for Wales with a first goal for his country but Lawrence was left watching on from the bench four years on since his last Dragons cap.
There is hefty competition in Lawrence’s position with Wales but the midfielder will be hoping to move on from his exile with some minutes against North Macedonia.
Next match: North Macedonia v Wales (FIFA World Cup Qualifying)
Kick-off: Tuesday 25th March (7:45PM GMT)
Ross McCausland ❌
Ross McCausland’s youthful Northern Ireland side might’ve recorded an impressive 1-1 draw with Switzerland at Windsor Park.
But the Rangers winger didn’t get off the bench as his struggles continue this campaign, with Michael O’Neill’s admission over McCausland’s season not going to plan making headlines.
The Ulstermen retain high hopes for the former Linfield winger but with minutes hard to come by at Rangers, McCausland has slipped down the NI pecking order.
Next match: Sweden v Northern Ireland (Friendly)
Kick-off: Tuesday 25th March (6PM GMT)
