Only one Rangers player has been picked by Scotland manager Steve Clarke’s squad for their UEFA Nations League matches against Croatia (A) and Portugal (H).
When the national team visits Cristiano Ronaldo and company three days after their trip to Zagreb on October 13, they will be looking to break their current winning streak of one game in thirteen.
There were expectations that at least two Rangers players would make Clarke’s final roster as he tries to stave off requests for change from within Hampden amid a slew of call-offs.
However, an international pass for an ex-Hearts midfielder who has seen limited action in the Premier League this season was given to one of the standout players at Ibrox.
John Souttar is called up to Scotland
Rangers back centre The only Ibrox star to make Steve Clarke’s Scotland team is John Souttar.
Though he was benched for the losses to Poland and Portugal, the 28-year-old defender was called up during the most recent international break.
Given that Souttar has been playing well at Ibrox this season, and that Las Palmas defender Scott McKenna is sidelined for this round of fixtures due to injury, things may change.
Alongside Scotland regulars Ryan Porteous (Watford) and Grant Hanley (Norwich City), Souttar will be vying for minutes.
Nicky Devlin, a defender for Aberdeen, has also been chosen, while Liam Lindsay of Preston North End may receive his first cap.
However, Connor Barron, a midfielder for Rangers, will not be playing for the Scotland team this time around.
Barron, the Scotland U21 international, can consider himself unfortunate not to have made Steve Clarke’s squad, as the manager, under duress, chose to look south of the line.
Connor Barron was passed over for a West Ham team member.
An injury to Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn had some hopeful Barron may get his second call-up to the Scotland camp and his maiden cap for the country.
It coincides with Connor Barron becoming a pivotal member of the Rangers this season and winning praise for his totally focused, vivacious, and excellent performances.
Instead, Rangers supporters will most likely remember Andy Irving from his time with Hearts as the midfielder for West Ham, who has been called up by Steve Clarke.
Rather, Barron has been called up to the U21 national team.
Irving, 24, joined Premier League West Ham United in 2023 after going through the Jambos’ development system and spending time in Turkey and Austria.
Having spent last season back in Austrian football, Irving has got first-team exposure south of the border this term, coming off the bench for West Ham three times.
This was the case in the team’s previous two Premier League games, which were against Brentford and Chelsea.
Irving, who has never been capped for Scotland, has been chosen for the midfield for Scotland along with Billy Gilmour and Scott McTominay of Napoli.
The more offensive midfield possibilities include Ryan Christie of Bournemouth and Ryan Gaud of the Vancouver Whitecaps, but Kenny McLean of Norwich City has also earned a spot in the team.
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