Ryan Jack praises ‘excellent’ Rangers teammate Jon McLaughlin
Ryan Jack has claimed that Rangers teammate Jon McLaughlin is good enough to be Scotland number one.
The 32-year-old joined the Gers as cover for Allan McGregor this summer, but has found himself thrust into the limelight after the veteran stopper picked up a knock against Bayer Leverkusen last month.
As things stand, McLaughlin is yet to concede a goal for the Gers, but still only has two international caps to his name.
And Jack is convinced that he is good enough to go toe-to-toe with David Marshall in an effort to add to that tally.
As quoted by the Daily Record, he said: “Jon has been excellent. Greegsy had a knock and that is how Jon has got his chance and he has been excellent.
“I had been in squads before with Jon so I knew what he was capable of and I am sure he will be pushing and trying to be No.1
“But David Marshall has been a very strong goalkeeper over the years and I am sure he will want to hold onto the jersey. It is tough competition all over the pitch and that is the way it should be at international level.
“The only thing I can say is that I have played with both internationally and now Jon at club level and they are both top, top goalkeepers. I am sure they will both be fighting to get the No.1 spot.”
Should McLaughlin be Scotland number one?
Perhaps the more pertinent question is whether or not he should be Rangers number one.
McGregor has, rightfully, attained something of an exalted status in Glasgow during his time with the club, and prior to this campaign, it would have been unimaginable that there could even be a conversation about dropping him.
But equally, how can Steven Gerrard claim to manage under a meritocracy if he leaves out a goalkeeper who hasn’t conceded a single goal in his first five games for the club?
McLaughlin’s form has been so impressive, in fact, that he has helped the Gers equal a 114-year record by becoming the first club to register six consecutive shutouts at the beginning of a season since 1906.
That’s ludicrously good, and naturally raises questions about who Gerrard will opt for when McGregor is back to full fitness after the current international break.
It’s certainly a headache, but as the cliche goes, it’s a nice headache for the boss to have.
In other Rangers news, Gers ace Ianis Hagi must improve form, even after goal v Hamilton.