Rangers goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin has been snapped in training ahead of Wednesday’s Premiership clash with Livingston but another selection snub is likely as his chances of playing for Scotland at this summer’s European Championships fade.
With Allan McGregor struggling with injury, McLaughlin made an excellent start to his Gers career after arriving on a free transfer during the summer window.
He performed well in pre-season and took that form into the Premiership, keeping clean sheets in his fist six league appearances for the club.
However, since conceding twice in a draw at Hibernian in September, his playing time has been severely limited.
The 33-year-old has only made four further appearances, with two in the Premiership and one apiece in the Europa League and League Cup.
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His most recent outing came against Lech Poznan on 10th December, meaning he hasn’t featured at all so far in 2021.
McLaughlin was snapped multiple times in training on Tuesday as the Gers finalised preparations for their midweek clash with Livingston at the Tony Macaroni Arena.
However, the ex-Hearts and Sunderland keeper is likely to be overlooked once again.
In fact, given how firmly entrenched McGregor is in his no.1 spot, McLaughlin is unlikely to feature in the Premiership until after Rangers have secured the title.
The news that the Scottish Cup is set to continue means that he could receive some playing time in the not too distant future, but by that stage, he is likely to have gone three months without an appearance.
Given that he’s competing with the likes of David Marshall and Craig Gordon, who are the undisputed first choices at Derby County and Hearts respectively, his chances of featuring for Scotland at this summer’s Euros look slim.
McLaughlin may still manage to make the national team squad, given that potential competitor, Rangers loanee Robby McCrorie, has also struggled for playing time of late at Livingston.
However, unless his situation changes dramatically between now and the end of the season, the best the Ibrox no.2 can realistically hope for is a spot as a back-up option.
Ahead of Wednesday night’s clash against Livingston, check out our Predicted XI and our Preview Video over on the Rangers News YouTube channel.