Clarke reeling as Jack ruled out of Euros
SCOTLAND boss Steve Clarke last night expressed his huge disappointment at Ryan Jack being ruled out of Euro 2020.
The Rangers midfielder, left, will miss this summer’s showpiece tournament after Ibrox boss Steven Gerrard confirmed he won’t
be seen again this season. Jack has had calf issues and it is understood the 29-year-old may require an operation.
Clarke is clear the midfielder’s wellbeing comes first but did admit his frustration.
He said: “I’m hugely disappointed for Ryan as he deserved to be part of our squad for Euro 2020.
“His performances for Scotland have been excellent, not least against Serbia when I thought he was outstanding at the heart of our midfield.
“I know how disappointed he is to miss out on the run-in to a memorable season, both with Rangers and with the national team at a major tournament.
“But ultimately his long-term fitness is the most important objective for him now. We all wish Ryan a full and speedy recovery to enable him to get back to full fitness and playing at his best for club and country.”
Gerrard broke the news when confirming Jack wouldn’t be sighted for Rangers before the summer.
He said: “The bad news is you won’t see Ryan play for Rangers again this season.
“He’s also ruled out of the Euros, which is bad news for him and everyone connected with the Scottish game as he has been phenomenal for the national team.
“He was very much looking forward to that so it’s sad news for him. But the good news is we’ve found a solution and got to the bottom of the problem.
“All being well in terms of his rehab from the procedure that he will have next week, he should be due to return in pre-season.
“He has been frustrated and down of late because he doesn’t like missing football matches.
“He missed the title run-in, which I know frustrated him, and worked his socks off to put himself in a position to be in Scotland’s starting XI and was really looking forward to the summer.”
As well as Jack, Sheffield United striker Oli McBurnie is a Euros injury doubt but Lewis Morgan is desperate to fight his way back into Clarke’s squad.
The Inter Miami winger said: “It’s definitely a goal I have and I know I’m more than capable of doing it.”