Rangers back-up keeper John McLaughlin has said he’d be “proud” to represent Scotland at Euro 2020 – even if some fans have complained about him travelling with the squad.
The talented stopper has been involved in the last three Scotland squads but hasn’t made an appearance in any, something which has frustrated Rangers fans amid the global pandemic.
Thankfully, model pro John has returned to Ibrox safe and sound every time and his words about making the Scotland team this summer also come as good news to Rangers.
“Of course I want to be playing as regularly as possible. Any opportunity you get you want to take it,” said McLaughlin.
“Hopefully over the course that continues to help you with the national team.
“It would be massive to be a part of it. For all the lads who were away, that was the biggest thing – how much it meant not just to fans but also all of the players over the past 20 years who have been trying to qualify for tournaments.
“Even better that two out of the three games are going to be on home soil and the game against England is at Wembley.
“It’s got everything there for us and it was a very proud moment to be involved.”
Despite playing second fiddle to Rangers legend Allan McGregor, McLaughin has shown himself to be a quality addition between the sticks when called-upon this season.
The ex-Sunderland and Hearts stopper will need to take full advantage of any chances he has at Rangers in order to secure a place at Scotland’s first major tournament in 22 years.
It’s worked a treat so far – McLaughlin has kept nine clean sheets in 10 matches at Ibrox – and the stopper opened up on his impressive record after his latest in the 4-0 win over Falkirk.
“It’s a fantastic record we’ve got going as a whole group and the lads in front of us are making our job quite easy with the work they put in,” said McLaughlin.
“Whoever it is, whether it’s Falkirk or Benfica, we’re putting in the same level of performance and work-rate and getting the results so it’s really pleasing.
“The manager made sure everyone gave it their full focus and there were no thoughts of anything else.
“We had a really good performance the other night, but we had to put that behind us and give this our full respect.
“We did that, and the lads took their chances, the ones who got their debuts and the ones who got minutes like myself.”
McLaughlin, 33, was one of eight summer signings at Ibrox this season after joining the club on a free following the expiration of his contract at the Stadium of Light.
