Derek Johnstone: Rangers stars deserved Scotland call – but Strachan should rest them after a tough campaign
via Evening Times |
IT is a great honour, and thoroughly deserved, for Lee Wallace and Barrie McKay to be named in the Scotland squad for the games with France and Italy.
But, at the end of a long, hard season, they are probably matches that both players could do without to be honest. There was a bit of a furore when they didn’t get picked but it is unfortunate that these two friendlies come around when they do.
Mark was absolutely right with his comments last week. Gordon Strachan rested some Celtic and Aberdeen players because of their exertions this season and the fact that they have got European ties early next season.
If Rangers win the Scottish Cup and have Europa League qualifiers, I would hope Gordon says to Mark ‘your two lads have been outstanding, I have given them the recognition by calling them into the squad but if you need to take them out and rest them then you can’.
It is about fairness more than anything else. If the players of two clubs are being given a rest, why shouldn’t the Rangers players?
Lee and Barrie are two of Rangers’ main players and the last thing Mark needs is for them to go and play another two games and then only have a couple of weeks off before they return to pre-season training.
He will want his players to be as well rested as possible and I don’t think the players would mind missing out against Italy and France.
It is great that they are getting the recognition and they have been called up. They are good enough to get in the squad. If they play to the same level next season, they should be back in the squad again.
I think fairness has to come into it. If Rangers win the Scottish Cup, I would hope that Lee and Barrie would be excused Scotland duty.
Trending
Latest News
Quizzes
Name The Starting XI
Can you name the Rangers line-up from a famous match? Fill the team sheet against the clock and share your time.
Rangers Easy Oche
Play Rangers Easy Oche, the daily darts-style Rangers quiz. Name players, count down from 501 to exactly zero and share your score.
Rangers Grid
lay Rangers Grid, the daily Rangers football puzzle. Name a player who fits each row and column in nine guesses and share your result.
Pick Your XI
Pick your Rangers starting XI for the next match. Choose your formation, select your players and share your team with fellow fans.