Rangers midfielder Ryan Jack has admitted that representing Scotland at Euro 2020 would have been the “pinnacle” of his career after being robbed of the chance to pull on the dark blue this summer by injury.
The Ibrox star has struggled with injuries over the last 12 months, missing much of Rangers’ relentless charge to the Scottish Premiership title, confessing that he “never processed or accepted” for weeks the fact he’d miss Scotland’s first major finals in 23 years.
With Scotland 48 hours away from kicking off their Euro 2020 campaign, Jack is excited to be watching as a fan – although he would love to have been there as part of the 26-man squad.
“In football you pick up injuries but it was just unfortunate the time this one came as it would have been the pinnacle of my career going to the Euros with your country,” Jack told Scotland HQ.
“I went down to see the surgeon in London and I was just thinking hopefully I won’t need anything done.
“I walked into the room and he said, ‘Sorry, it’s an operation’. And I just thought, the Euros is on, it can’t be. That was the first thought I had.
“I never processed it or accepted it.
“And then I went home and never slept for a week to 10 days just thinking about everything.
“Eventually I had to phone Steve Clarke and say, ‘Boss, I’m out but I wish you all the best’. That was tough.
“Obviously I’d much rather be in the camp with the guys preparing for the Euros but I’m excited and am going to be watching with as a fan.”
Rangers return will be vital for Light Blues
After missing half of the season as Steven Gerrard’s side romped to the title, getting Jack back fully fit will be massive for Rangers in their bid to retain the Scottish Premiership.
The Gers appear to be in the market for midfield reinforcements this summer so a fully fit Jack would almost be like a new signing.
Rangers’ lack of options were apparent towards the end of the season as injuries and suspension took their toll and left Gerrard with little scope to make any changes.
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