A comment made by Scotland manager Steve Clarke earlier this week suggests Rangers goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin is in contention to make a rare international start in a crucial World Cup Qualifier against the Faroe Islands [Scotsman].
McLaughlin impressed early in the season at club level after moving to Ibrox on a free transfer.
He kept clean sheets in each of his first six Premiership appearances, but after conceding twice against Hibernian in September, he was replaced by Allan McGregor and his playing time has been severely limited ever since.
McLaughlin has made just four further appearances, the last of which came in December, but Clarke’s hint will have him hoping a third senior international cap arrives on Wednesday night.
“It is possible – Three games in a week, it is possible to have a look at another goalkeeper,” said the Scotland boss following criticism of regular no.1 David Marshall [Scotsman]. “I can use the depth of the squad if I feel it is the right thing to do. I don’t like discussing team selections the day before the game. I never have done.”
“I know what my team is, I have it written down and it is in my pocket.
“I know the formation, I know the players and how many rotations there will be but it is not something to share with the general public and the media before the game.”
McLaughlin will hope he features on that teamsheet as he looks for a first outing in 2021, with Scotland badly in need of a win following draws against Austria and Israel.
The Gers backup isn’t guaranteed to come into the XI even if Marshall drops out, though.
That’s because Hearts keeper, Craig Gordon, who has over 50 caps to his name, is also in the squad.
Gordon has had the advantage of regular playing time this season, but it’s a big step up from the SPFL Championship to the international level.
One of McLaughlin’s Gers teammates has taken to Instagram to celebrate after starring in a historic international clash.
