Ryan Jack fitness concern emerges for BBC pundit as Rangers ace subbed off in Scotland win v Cyprus
Kenny Miller has raised a fitness concern regarding Rangers midfielder Ryan Jack ahead of Scotland’s match against Spain on Tuesday (28 March).
The concern comes after Jack was substituted in the country’s 3-0 victory over Cyprus in their first Euro 2024 qualifier on Saturday (25 March).
Jack started and played 67 minutes in the win at Hampden Park, with the midfielder replaced by Scott McTominay, who scored twice late on to ensure the victory.
Pondering whether substitute Scott McTominay has done enough to land a starting role against Spain, BBC Scotland pundit Miller wrote in the Daily Record: “I’m not sure.
“That might depend on Ryan Jack’s fitness and whether he can go again on Tuesday. I expected Jacko to play ahead of McTominay, who isn’t playing regularly at Manchester United.
“That midfield area is the strongest part of Scotland’s team and Jack and Callum McGregor work really well together.”
Starting role v Spain?
Jack has struggled with injuries ever since moving to Rangers, but he managed to prove his fitness and indeed his worth to Scotland manager Steve Clarke for the match against Cyprus.
And while his substitution in the 67th minute was seemingly a tactical one, Jack will be slightly concerned about the impressive display of his replacement, particularly given Scotland’s desperate need for goals.
He has formed a strong partnership with Old Firm rival Callum McGregor, and the Scotland boss might not want to disrupt that for the meeting with Spain.
Given the competition for places in Clarke’s midfield, Jack has done very well to land a starting spot, with his regular game time at Rangers helping him play over the likes of McTominay, Lewis Ferguson and Billy Gilmour.
Spain will, however, provide a very different threat in midfield, and one that Clarke may want Manchester United\s McTominay to try and deal with.
In other Rangers news, Simon Jordan has told the SPFL to demand extra money from Rangers and Celtic to allow them to compete in the European Super League.