Ryan Jack’s withdrawal from the Scotland squad is blow for the player in the short-term but it will be of benefit to his Rangers career and preparation for next season.
The midfielder has been replaced by Allan Campbell of Luton Town as Steve Clarke’s side go up against Ukraine in the World Cup Playoff as well as Nations League games to follow.
A calf-issue has been mooted as the reason for Jack’s absence, with coach Steven Naismith telling BBC Sport:
“It’s a massive blow for Ryan because I know how much it means to him to play for his country.”
“Him and Callum (McGregor) had a great relationship, but Billy [Gilmour] has come in and done really well. It’s probably the most competitive area of the pitch for us and that makes it slightly easier for the manager.”
Future
The Europa League run-in and Scottish Cup Final especially showed exactly what Ryan Jack has to offer Rangers. He will remain a key figure in Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s plans but that is dependent on his fitness and conditioning which needs to be managed.
As much as he will want to be involved with Scotland, his own situation needs careful consideration and club commitments have to take precedence.
2021/22 was a stop-start campaign for Jack at Ibrox but it ended relatively well in terms of performances for the 30-year old. Rest and recuperation will now commence instead of a fortnight of international duty, ahead of a return to training with Rangers at the start of July for pre-season.