Rangers legend Derek Johnstone has backed manager Steven Gerrard for pulling midfielder Ryan Jack out of Scotland’s international fixtures over the two week break as controversy reigns about the number of withdrawals from the squad.
The Scots have seen no less than nine players made unavailable for manager Alex McLeish, while others, such as Newcastle’s Matt Ritchie, had requested not to be handed an international call up.
The ongoing controversy – which Kris Boyd has deemed “embarrassing” – has included Ibrox midfielder Ryan Jack, who picked up an injury playing for his club before the international break, but Johnstone, an icon at the Gers, has firmly backed Gerrard for not taking the risk.
He told the Evening Times: “The number of call-offs is disappointing, but for me, the national team is a victim of scheduling here with so many important club matches being played either side of this international break.
“Clubs are never going to allow risks to be taken with their players if they have knocks or strains, and that is why it was absolutely the right decision for Ryan Jack and for Rangers for him to sit this one out.
“The midfielder has had a torrid time with injuries, and if he isn’t 100%, he simply couldn’t take the chance.”
Opinion
Johnstone is absolutely right when it comes to Jack’s situation. Rangers cannot afford to be losing anyone else for a long amount of time with their title hopes resting on the quality of depth available to Steven Gerrard for the rest of the season. Jack might not be a regular starter right now – his injury problems contributing to a lack of game time – but he is important as a backup option with plenty of experience to call upon. Losing him long term – or even for just a couple of games – would impact how the Gers manage their squad, especially with a busy festive period right around the corner. No risks were taken by the Light Blues and while it might have angered the Scottish national selectors, it was definitely in the best interests of the Ibrox outfit. Now it is time for Jack to battle back to full fitness and take his place back in the starting XI – or even just on the bench – as soon as possible.