Ryan Jack’s call-up to the Scotland first team hasn’t half been met with a mixed reaction.
Prior to the call-up, the player himself said he’d be “delighted” to be a part of the Scotland set-up [Scottish Sun].
But following boos at Pittodrie and general friction between the national team and Rangers fans, there are plenty who’d have sooner seen him ignore any shout from Steve Clarke’s side.
Now he’s there, Scotland find themselves in an increasingly frustrating and head-scratching scenario.
The national side lacks identity and leadership, and despite the managerial change, continue to disappoint in the hunt for qualification to a national tournament.
But far from utilising Jack as a squad player, are Scotland missing a trick not making him one of the fixtures of an XI clearly lacking bite in the middle of the park?
There are plenty Rangers fans who outright disagree that Manchester United’s Scott McTominay – a regular player for the Red Devils – suits the side and role better than Jack.
Whilst it’s difficult to compare the two players given the disparity of the leagues they’re playing in, there can be little doubting Jack’s evolution as both a footballer and a leader.
The midfielder has evolved his offensive game and is a driving, central force to the Rangers team.
He’s one of Steven Gerrard’s first names on the team sheet, a compliment in of itself given Rangers are plentiful in that area of the pitch and that Gerrard himself was a midfielder of the highest order.
Should Ryan Jack be starting for Scotland? With so much competition in that area of the park, it’s a difficult thing to say absolutely.
But there’s very little doubt that Rangers’ Mr. Consistent wouldn’t let Scotland down if given the chance.
