Rangers midfielder Ryan Jack got that first start for Scotland that his good form deserved as the national side defeated Cyprus 2-1.
The Ibrox midfielder, who has been one of Steven Gerrard’s stand-outs this season, was employed in his more orthodox central midfield berth despite some calls to see him moved to right-back [Scottish Sun].
And it’s in the middle of the park that former Rangers star Neil McCann believes Jack can replace the influence of former Scotland captain and Old Firm foe Scott Brown.
“I like the look of the team, and I’m really pleased Ryan Jack is in there – he’s got something I think we’ve missed since Scott Brown. A real winning mentality,” said McCann [BBC Radio Scotland].
The comments were always bound to stoke a bit of controversy between Old Firm fans, with Brown being a loathed figure amongst the Rangers fans.
Many Rangers fans are also adamant that Brown is amongst the most overrated Scottish players of a generation.
Similarly, some Celtic fans are known to think the same of Ryan Jack, with our rivals no doubt pointing to Scott Brown’s success in recent seasons.
But what cannot be argued is that whilst Ryan Jack is coming onto a game at 27, Scott Brown is on the road out at 34.
On top of that, why would Ryan Jack be looking to replace a player who captained the country during one of the least successful periods in our history?
The Rangers star surely has his sights set on making a much more productive impression with the country’s national side.
