Rangers manager Steven Gerrard confirmed today that Scotland midfielder Ryan Jack will miss this summer’s Euros (Source Sky Sports). 

That’s a tough pill for the Tartan Army to swallow as Jack has impressed in the midfield engine-room under Steve Clarke. We look to be at our most solid with Ryan patrolling in front of the backline. He was particularly impressive in our home win over the Czech Republic and in our play-off victory over Serbia. 

While Scotland do have a talented group of midfielders in our pool, we don’t actually have too many ball winners in there. When you look at the recent games in which we’ve missed Ryan Jack, the team have looked more vulnerable; we haven’t closed down often enough and struggled to turnover possession. 

With that in mind, I wonder if Scotland boss Clarke will consider calling Aberdeen’s Ross McCrorie into his Euro 2020 squad? 

I know many will suggest selecting David Turnbull but the Celtic star offers more going forward and offers similar qualities as Stuart Armstrong and Ryan Christie. That’s not what we need when replacing Ryan Jack. 

McCrorie would give us a player that’s used to playing with defensive discipline. 

According to Whoscored, Ross makes on average two tackles per Premiership game and that sees him up there as one of the most proficient tacklers in Scotland’s top flight. McCrorie makes more tackles per game than current Scotland midfielders John McGinn, Scott McTominay, John Fleck, Kenny McLean and Callum McGregor. 

At just over 6ft, The Dons man would also add height to the middle of the park. Scotland has missed that presence when McTominay has been asked to play in a back three. Ross McCrorie is winning around four aerial battles per league appearance this season. That’s considerably more than any other midfielder I’ve mentioned in this article. 

The twenty-three year old can bring added versatility to the squad. He’s able to fill in at right-back and as a centre-back. Although he’d be selected primarily as a holding midfielder.

Steve Clarke has already pointed out the usefulness in having a versatile player like McCrorie within his plans:

“He has done very well for Derek (McInnes) in Aberdeen in central midfield but he can also play at the back and he can play right-back, so he is good cover.”

Via STV

Now Ross’ form may have dipped in the second half of the season, much like everyone else at Pittodrie. But things have improved as of late and the youngster might actually thrive playing in a different environment.

It should also be noted that he has vast experience with the Under-21s, having won 18 caps under Scot Gemmill. He’s also tasted European football with both Rangers and Aberdeen. The midfielder’s early season form even won him a cll-up into the senior squad back in October. 

I have no doubts this is a dilemma that Steve Clarke would have wanted to avoid, as I said previously Ryan Jack had become a vital component within our squad. Alas these are situations that always seem to arise as a nation prepares for a summer tournament. 

It will be interesting to see how our manager deals with the problem and who he selects but I’d definitely suggest he thinks about the qualities Ross McCrorie brings to the table.

Posted on April 16th, 2021 by scott
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