Scotland injury blow as Jack to miss Euros

RYAN Jack has seen his Euro 2020 dreams shattered after being told he will not play again for Rangers or Scotland this season.

The Ibrox midfielder has struggled with a persistent calf issue for the past two seasons and has not played since trudging off against Dundee United back in February.

Now the 29-year-old has been told by a top London specialist he requires an operation to finally solve the problem and he will go under the knife next week – meaning he will play no part for Steve Clarke’s squad this summer.

It is a bitter blow for the former Aberdeen captain, who has already had to sit out Gers’ title run-in as they were crowned champions of Scotland for the first time in a decade.

Now Jack – who had established himself as a key man in the heart of Clarke’s midfield – faces the heartbreaking prospect of watching on from home as the Scots head to their first major finals since 1998.

Rangers boss Steven Gerrard delivered the shock update, saying: “Unfortunately it’s mixed news for Ryan and the bad news is he’s ruled out for the rest of the season, so you won’t see Ryan play for Rangers again this season.

“He’s also ruled out of the Euros this summer, which is bad news for him from a personal point of view and everyone connected with the Scottish game as I think he’s 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 that 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 preseason at some stage.”

Clarke had been keeping his fingers crossed for a speedy recovery as his side prepare to take on the Czech Republic and Croatia at Hampden either side of a trip to face England at Wembley.

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 in the play-off final 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 this summer – but ultimately his long-term fitness is the most important objective for him now.

Jack’s news comes a day after Scotland forward Oli McBurnie was ruled out for the rest of Sheffield United’s season after breaking his foot.