Opinion

Alex McLeish needs Ryan Jack to stop Scotland rot

Add as preferred source on Google

After recently progressing from their Nations League group, things seemed to be on the up for Scotland.
However, those illusions were shattered last week.

Alex McLeish’s side were badly exposed by minnows, Kazakhstan. (Photo by Mark Runnacles – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

The 3-0 defeat in Kazakhstan was embarrassing, as was only recording a 2-0 win away at San Marino. After all, they are the lowest ranked country in world football.
One man who could help turn the tide though, is Rangers’, Ryan Jack.
For the most part, he’s been excellent this season.

After overcoming a few injury problems, he’s become a mainstay of the midfield under Steven Gerrard.
The 27-year-old £765k-rated star thrives on the big occasion, too. He was an unlikely matchwinner in the last Old Firm in December and was the best player on the pitch in Europa League defeat to Rapid Vienna.
Jack celebrates his history-making goal. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

He adds assuredness and security to his team’s midfield. There’s no reason he can’t replicate that at international level.
Jack is in the prime of his career right now but only has two Scotland caps.
Going forward, it’s time for that to change.
After two poor performances, Alex McLeish simply has to look elsewhere and the ex-Dons skipper is one player who should come in.

The midfielder is certainly capable of stepping up for Scotland. (Photo by Craig Mercer/MB Media/Getty Images)

Cyprus and number one team in the world, Belgium, are next up in June.
With qualification hopes already in trouble, the onus is on Scotland to improve drastically and the Rangers no.8 could and should play a part in that.