As reported by The Daily Mail, Rangers manager Graeme Murty has backed both Ryan Jack and Greg Docherty to stake a claim for a place in Scotland’s midfield after the international retirement of Celtic star Scott Brown.
What’s the story?
Hoops captain Brown announced earlier this week he won’t be taking part in Scotland action as the country prepares to embark on a new managerial era under Alex McLeish.
With 55 caps to his name, Brown has been on the international scene for over a decade, seen as one of the more influential members of the squad in that time.
Now though, Rangers manager Murty has challenged his midfield stars to stake a claim and bring back a Scotland and Rangers tradition.
When asked whether Greg Docherty and Ryan Jack could aspire to make future squads, he was adamant they could.
As quoted by The Daily Mail, the Gers boss said:
Absolutely. I said that when we first signed him [Docherty]. Historically, Rangers central midfield players have played for Scotland. That’s the level he needs to be looking at. I have not seen anything in the young man’s attitude or ability to think anything different. It is something he should be aiming for and, knowing Greg, he will be hungry to get as far as he possibly can.
Now Scott has gone, there is a space in the middle of the pitch where Ryan [Jack] is more naturally inclined to play. That would fit him quite well but we have to make sure we get him back fit. Then he has to thrust himself in front of the manager’s eye-line to get his attention. A new manager has come in and there are spots up for grabs. It’s a blank canvas.
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What are their chances?
With U21 caps for Scotland, Docherty is undoubtedly showing potential to be a future international for his country and given his recent form for Rangers, you might even say he could be a stand-out for years to come.
He’s been excellent all season for Hamilton but at Ibrox, surrounded by better players, is flourishing in a creative midfield role.
Ryan Jack, who better represents the style that Brown exhibited for the national team, might find it tougher to work his way into the Scotland midfield. While fairly proficient for Rangers this season, he lacks the unique flair and creativity of a player like Docherty and the Ibrox side have arguably improved in his absence.