The Scottish National Team’s squad for their upcoming fixtures with Cyprus and Kazakhstan were announced earlier this week (Daily Record). Ryan Jack was the only current Rangers player to be included in the squad, however many Rangers fans were drawn to the inclusion of someone else.
Steven Naismith was included in the squad, despite only playing 37 minutes of competitive football since the end of August. Those 37 minutes were against Rangers in the semi-final of the Scottish League Cup last weekend (WhoScored.com). The player’s inclusion is likely due to him sitting on 49 Scottish caps, with manager Steve Clarke attempting to award the midfielder with his 50th (transfermarkt.co.uk).
But while the inclusion of Naismith is largely inconsequential to Rangers fans in the grand scheme of things, it has struck a nerve with the Gers faithful. These Rangers supporters believe that the inclusion of the ex-Rangers man showcases how the Scottish National Team has lost all credibility under Clarke. Another fan points at the ill-treatment of Rangers players as a reason to dislike the Scottish team.
Steve Clarke already showing how much of a muppit he is
— chucky (@chucky83719947) November 6, 2019
Surprised anyone needs any more proof at this rate
— JackRobertson (@Jack_Robertsonn) November 5, 2019
Absolutely! National team is a joke and unlikely to change anytime soon!
— iain macdougall (@imacdougall8) November 5, 2019
Clarke is an embarrassment
— Andrew Bluebells (@andrewg69968905) November 5, 2019
No interest in Scotland team now. The way Rangers players have been treated. I hope Ryan Jack doesn’t play even tho he is the best midfielder in country at present
— Robbie Munro (@MunroRobbie) November 5, 2019
Others think Naismith had an opportunity of retiring as a Rangers legend, but suggest the end of his career has prevented that from happening. The 33-year-old left Rangers for Everton on a free transfer back in 2012 (transfermarkt.co.uk).
He should be too embarrassed to leave the house , could have been and was well on the way to being a Rangers legend , he chose to walk away and is now paying the price.
— John (@rockingtilidrop) November 6, 2019
What do we think?
While it is likely that Naismith has only been included in the Scottish squad for sentimental reasons, the decision made by Steve Clarke has confused Rangers fans greatly. What these reactions do show, however, is proof that the Rangers fans are discontent with the way the National Team has treated Gers players in the past. Ryan Jack’s inclusion in the team may be a small step towards repairing that relationship, however, it may be too little too late.