Rangers star Dujon Sterling backed to make summer switch after approach received
Derek Ferguson has backed Dujon Sterling to represent Jamaica at the Copa America and return as a key player for Rangers next term.
The Gers star is said to be “keen” to take up the opportunity after being approached by the Caribbean nation off the back of a breakout year at Ibrox, having previously represented England at age-group levels.
Ferguson accepts that the “fantastic” 24-year-old’s involvement in the summer tournament could be a concern for Philippe Clement given the potential disruption it may cause to the Belgian’s preseason preparations, but also believes there could be some positives to take from it if he is playing at a high level.
European players will also be short of rest this summer if they are called up to represent their countries at the Euros in Germany, so Ferguson is all for Sterling getting his chance with Jamaica and highlights the need for compromises to be made between clubs and countries in modern football.
He exclusively told Ibrox News: “It’s always a concern for the manager and the coaching staff, I don’t know so much about the player.
“I’d quite enjoy that myself, away playing international football for Jamaica. It depends, it comes down to the relationship you have with the manager. As long as when you’re away you’re living your life the right way [it’s no issue].
“But you’re playing in a top-class tournament, so I don’t see the big problem. I’ve got a lot of love for Sterling, I think he’s a fantastic football player, one that we need in our squad. For me when he’s able and he’s fit he should be in that starting XI.
“Sometimes in football, certainly in this day and age, there’s got to be a compromise.
“So if that means he can be away, be an international footballer with Jamaica, play against top-class talent and then come back even a better player what’s not to like about it?
“Again, it’s just the times that we’re in with these football players. Look at the Euros, the guys will have no break, straight into the Euros and then they’ll have a week’s rest and they’re back into it again.
“I think there’s got to be a compromise somewhere and I would like to see the boy go and play with Jamaica but still be a big part of Rangers Football Club.”
Philippe Clement faces Rangers concern over international tournaments
Few could begrudge Sterling the chance for a call-up to feature in the Copa America, although Ridvan Yilmaz’s latest injury during the previous international break highlights why the manager might be on the edge of his seat.
It will be a worry all round for Clement this summer with Rangers players afflicted by bad injury luck in all sorts of circumstances this season, regularly leaving the Belgian short of options.
But it is a measure of the quality Sterling has shown since his arrival from Chelsea in the summer that he appears to be in demand and, having slotted in all over the line up this season, there should be few concerns over his ability to get up to speed if he misses preseason training, as long as he can avoid injury.
In other Rangers news, a “really good” Ibrox transfer is backed to land the Light Blues a guaranteed uplift in scoring.
For more Rangers news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.