Rangers boss Steven Gerrard had waded into the high-profile debate surrounding players pulling out of international duty.
The Ibrox boss was responding to questions after several pull-outs in the Scotland squad ahead of the country’s Euro 2020 qualification double-header against Cyprus and Kazakhstan.
A former international captain with England and the country’s fourth highest capped international with 114 appearances, the Scouser said he’d never hold back a player from representing their country.
“I would never ever have a conversation with a player and say don’t do this and don’t do that. They are all adults,” said Gerrard [Scottish Sun].
“I think as a player you’ve just got to use common sense. If you are fit and available then you go and represent your country and do as well as you can.
“That’s the message from me. But if you’ve got a problem then I think you have to respect your club, respect the people who pay your wages and also the supporters.
“You need to be honest, use common sense and listen to your body.
“There’s no prouder man when the emails come flying into my phone about call-ups because it means that they have done their job well first and foremost for us.
“As someone who played international football for many, many years, I know the buzz, the feeling, the experience.
“Whether it be with the Under-21s or full internationals, I am proud and pleased for all the lads who get the call-ups.”
Steven Gerrard isn’t the only Rangers connection discussing the call-offs during the international break either.
Rangers midfielder Ryan Jack has taken full advantage of the absence of some of the country’s other midfielders to stake a claim for a national jersey.
Speaking prior to the 2-1 win away to Cyprus, Jack discussed the “no-brainer” of accepting the call from his country [Scotland NT].
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