Rangers goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin was snubbed again by Steve Clarke for Sunday evening’s international friendly against Luxembourg, Scotland’s final fixture before the start of Euro 2020.
McLaughlin had to be content with a backup role to Allan McGregor for the majority of the 2020/21 season at Rangers, but whenever he was given an opportunity, he was outstanding.
In 14 appearances for the Light Blues, he’s kept a remarkable 12 clean sheets and has only conceded three goals, with two coming against Hibernian in September and one in a post-split fixture against St Johnstone.
His remarkable stats at club level have ensured that he is regularly included in Scotland squads.
However, he’s only made it onto the pitch once since Clarke’s appointment as manager in May 2019 and his chances of featuring at Euro 2020 look very slim.
The two other keepers in the squad for the tournament are Craig Gordon and David Marshall, with the former getting the nod for the 2-2 draw with the Netherlands in midweek and the latter being named between the sticks for the Luxembourg clash.
Of course, it’s possible that McLaughlin will be subbed on at some stage against the minnows to win his third cap.
Yet, it’s clear that he’s very much the third choice keeper going into the Euros and only a couple of injuries or suspensions for his competition will see him receive major tournament playing time.
Clarke hinted in the build-up to the Luxembourg clash that Nathan Patterson is set to make his senior Scotland debut, but he’s only set to play a cameo role as he’s been named on the bench, with Stephen O’Donnell starting at right-back.
In other news, Everton have released a Rangers-linked midfielder while a striker with 48 Premier League goals is also available.
