Jack benefiting from managers’ trust with club and country
Ryan Jack has hailed the twin efforts of Steven Gerrard and Steve Clarke that have allowed him to fulfil his Euro 2020 dream.
The Rangers midfielder was one of Clarke’s key men in Belgrade last week as they booked a place at next summer’s finals to end the Tartan Army’s 22-year stint in major tournament exile.
AndJack–aperipheralfigure under previous Scotland bossAlexMcLeish–admitshe owes that to both his club boss Gerrard and his new national team manager.
“Since Steven Gerrard came in to Rangers, he has worked hard with me and showed me that trust and belief,” he said.
“And since I’ve first spoke with Steve Clarke he’s shown me the exact same trust and belief. As a player, that helps me a lot and helps to get the best out of me.
“The European games with Rangers always help because you’re playing against i nte r n at io n a l p l aye r s , s o when you come away with Scotland you’re playing at the same level as you are at with your club and that stands you in good stead.
“Clarke has been absolutely excellent for me and the squad. We’ve got a great team spirit and everything is going well. We just want to continue that.”
Having nailed down a place at one major competition, the Scots can take a major step towards another when they face Israel in their final Nations League clash in Netanya tonight.
A victory will secure top spot in Group B2 – and more than likely book one of two World Cup play-off places on offer for the finals in Qatar in two years’ time.