Barry Ferguson has said that he will be “absolutely amazed” if Rangers midfielder Ryan Jack is not included in the Scotland squad next week.
New international boss Steve Clarke is set to name the first squad of his tenure for Scotland’s upcoming Euro 2020 qualifiers against Cyprus and Belgium next month.
Writing in a column for the Daily Record, Ferguson backed Jack – who was a key man for Steven Gerrard after making 44 appearances in all competitions last season – to claim a spot in the team.
“Ryan Jack has been a Scotland player in waiting for the last six years,” the former Rangers man said. “But it’s the way he’s been playing over the last six weeks that makes me believe he’s finally about to come of age at international level.
“Put it this way, I’ll be absolutely amazed if the Rangers man is not selected to be part of Steve Clarke’s plans next week when the new manager announces his first squad for the qualifiers against Cyprus and Belgium.
Clarke looks like a very shrewd appointment – a guy with a real eye for a player – and I’m sure he will also have noted a massive improvement in Jack’s game over the final part of the season.”
OPINION
It has been a fantastic season for Ryan Jack and as Ferguson points out, it would be a great shame to see the 27-year-old miss out on a spot in the Scotland squad. Later in his column, Ferguson adds that Jack has only earned two senior caps during his career, suggesting that while the midfielder has always possessed the talent, he has always remained only on the fringes. There is a great chance, however, that Clarke will recognise Jack’s great form and include him in his squad. Having left Kilmarnock last weekend following the club’s final game of the season, Clarke will have had a chance throughout the campaign – albeit not knowing it would have mattered until now – to really have a good look at Jack and you have to hope that the new Scotland boss has been paying due attention to his form. Otherwise, it seems as if we will have one unhappy Barry Ferguson on our hands.