Rangers midfielder Ryan Jack starts alongside Celtic star Callum McGregor as Scotland kicks off its European Championship campaign with a win over Cyprus.
The Ibrox midfielder, 31, had talked up the partnership during the week with the Old Firm duo Steve Clarke’s preferred choice for the Euro qualifying campaign opener at Hampden.
It proved to be a smart one too, as Scotland ran out 3-0 winners courtesy of a first-half John McGinn strike and a late double from Man United star Scott McTominay.
Ryan Jack starts with Callum McGregor in Scotland win
It will be the minutes of Ryan Jack for Scotland which most catch the eyes of Rangers fans, whilst his link-up with Celtic star Callum McGregor has also sparked debate.
Jacko has been plagued with injury problems over the last few seasons and it is clear the player’s minutes must be managed in order for him to get the most for club and country.
Speaking ahead of the Scotland clash with Cyprus, Ryan Jack claimed that both he and Callum McGregor put Rangers and Celtic loyalties to one side on Scotland duties.
“As you say, we had a great relationship through that number of games that me and Callum played in,” said Ryan Jack [Sky Sports].
“It’s a great sort of mix – I think there are five or six midfielders in the squad – and when you look at it you think anyone could play, anyone could step in and there’s not going to be a big gap in the quality that’s coming in and out.
“For me, it’s great competition but it’s also great for us as a nation having that strength in depth that hopefully we can go and be successful.”
Now back in the Rangers squad, there is some hope the worst is behind the player, who is also out of contract in the summer window, with Michael Beale eager to give Ryan Jack a new deal.
Amid much talk around his Rangers future, Bundesliga clubs have also also been linked to Ryan Jack.
Bright European start for Tartan Army
The result will provide some optimism to Scotland supporters ahead of the European Championship qualifying campaign, with the Tartan Army set to come up against Spain at Hampden on Tuesday.
The Spaniards opened their Group A campaign with a similar 3-0 victory over Norway, who are likely to be Scotland’s biggest rivals in their hunt for qualification.
Also competing with Ryan Jack and Scotland for a place at Euro 2024 – which is set to be held in Germany – is Eastern European outfit Georgia.
That means Scotland could come up against once Rangers-linked Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in this campaign.
Scotland manager Steve Clarke has been talking up Rangers-linked goalkeeper Angus Gunn following the victory.
