Ryan Jack has withdrawn from the Scotland reckoning for the country’s double header with Albania and Israel. There hasn’t been much said about why, but Rangers fans will be hoping one thing.
That any withdrawal is precautionary and has no bearing on his availability for a huge month and a half ahead.
Alex McLeish didn’t give much away either.
“Ryan played the whole game for Rangers on Sunday and has picked up an injury,” said the Scotland manager.
“It’s unfortunate. He’s back in the Rangers team and has something to offer the squad in different positions.”
Motherwell game was a real comeback performance for Ryan
Rangers have pretty much been without a consistently fit Ryan Jack all season.
In fact, have we ever had the midfielder for a consistent run of games since he joined last year? Against Motherwell, coming in for the inconsistent Lassana Coulibaly, he showed us what we’ve been missing.
Jack was composed and controlled in the middle of the park. When he plays well, he has a calming influence on the rest of the team. He bites into challenges with superb timing and has a knack for playing the correct pass.
He’s not a lockpicking playmaker and he’s not likely to chip in with many goals, but as a defensive pivot, he looks like something we’ve really been missing.
Jack is also a leader. He stands up for other players and is one of the first on the scene in a mix-up. Many have him touted as a future Rangers captain.
If Rangers are going to make a real go of this season at home and abroad, we need Ryan Jack fit.
Fans will be hoping his pulling out of the Scotland squad is only precautionary.
