THE FAB FOUR

SPFL’S top dogs face off in a weekend that could have a massive bearing on destination of league title - and the European places

AS Steven Gerrard yesterday counted his players who had been scattered across the globe on international duty, the Rangers manager reserved a particularly warm welcome for Ryan Jack.

Gerrard knows a thing or two about playing in the middle of the park and he watched every minute of Jack’s performances over the past week.

He was delighted with what he saw and with the result against Serbia that had an entire nation celebrating. And yes, he was too.

“Being up here, and really involved in Scottish football now, to see the country back in a major tournament, it was fantastic to watch the celebrations,” he said.

“I want to congratulate Steve [Clarke], his staff and all the players involved as it was a magnificent achievement. It was no surprise to see Ryan play so well. He has been very consistent since we came in here at Rangers.

“The way he applies himself and the way he goes about his daily work, it’s no surprise to see him in top form and producing the goods at international level.

“I was proud of his performance.”

Gerrard might now have a fondness for Scotland but that won’t extend to the clash with England at Wembley on June 18.

Asked how long he’ll be supporting Scotland, he smiled: “Soon as the whistle goes...”

He admits he will manage Jack and fellow Scotland squad member Jon Mclaughlin carefully to give them the best possible chance of making Clarke’s squad – but admits Rangers’ needs must come first.

That’s particularly relevant in Mclaughlin’s case, as the keeper has spent most recent weeks on the bench with Allan Mcgregor between the sticks.

Gerrard insists, though, that Mclaughlin

WILL get game time.

He added: “It’s not my job to help Scotland! We rate Jon highly.

“We’ve got two top class No.1 keepers here and I ’ ll make the best decisions for Rangers but I will remain in communic a t i o n wit h S t e v e Clarke. It’s important we manage Ryan and Jon in the best possible way, so I will try to support the national team from that point of view.”