Rangers: Ryan Jack slammed by national newspapers after Scotland 3-0 win v Cyprus
Ryan Jack has been ridiculed by a number of national newspapers after the Rangers midfielder was substituted during Scotland’s 3-0 win over Cyprus.
A Scott McTominay brace and a John McGinn strike saw Steve Clarke’s side get their European qualifying campaign off to a perfect start on Saturday (25 March).
Jack was replaced by the Manchester United man during the second half and his performance has since been assessed by a number of news outlets.
The Sunday Mirror (pg three or pull-out, 26 March) gave the Light Blues’ midfielder the joint lowest rating of five.
The Edinburgh News (25 March) felt the 31-year-old failed to make an impact: “Ryan Jack – 6. Tried to get forward and influence the attack, while also keeping possession ticking over, but didn’t have much of an impact. Subbed.”
The Scotsman also gave Jack a six for his performance at Hampden and suggested the Scots “markedly” improved when he was replaced by McTominay
“It was telling that the Scots improved markedly from middle to front when McTominay replaced Jack, providing more thrust and support to the forward line,” they wrote (Scotsman post-match report, 25 March).
They added in their match ratings (25 March): “A quiet afternoon for the Rangers holding midfielder, and little surprise he made way for Ryan Christie after 66 minutes as Scotland’s control threatened to wane. Was tidy enough in possession but an absence of dynamism was notable on a couple of occasions. 6.”
Dull
It was certainly a dull and drab affair at the national stadium, and it’s a game which will be forgotten about fairly quickly. On the face of it, the result constitutes a good start to European qualifying, but the fact two of the goals were scored late on is concerning.
Furthermore, the minimal domestic representation in Clarke’s squad is worrying. The Scottish game has come under the spotlight once again and the fact the majority of the national side is made up of Premier League players paints a sorry picture.
There’s a lot of talent within the SPFL but Clarke seems reluctant to utilise the potential which is at his disposal. The win over Cyprus is just a warm-up for much sterner tests on the horizon. With Spain and Norway to come, Clarke’s side must significantly up their levels if they wish to book their place in Germany.
With Spain travelling to Hampden Park on Tuesday (28 March), we soon find out a lot more about this side’s capabilities.
In other Rangers news, a pundit with insider information at Ibrox has shared one condition that will make Douglas Park leave the club.