Andy Irving of West Ham United celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during a Pre-Season Friendly match between Dagenham & Redbridge a…Photo by Harriet Lander/Getty Images
Scotland boss Steve Clarke snubs form Rangers star in favour of West Ham squad player
Scotland manager Steve Clarke has named only one Rangers star in his squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League clashes with Croatia (A) and Portugal (H).
The national team will hope to stop the rot of one win in 13 games when they travel to Zagreb on the 13th of October and host Cristiano Ronaldo & co three days later.
Amid a spate of call-offs, there were hopes that at least two Rangers stars would make Clarke’s final cut as he looks to stave off calls for change from within the walls of Hampden.
But one on-form Ibrox star has received an international snub for an ex-Hearts midfielder who has had brief exposure to the Premier League this season.
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WEZEP – John Souttar of Rangers FC during the friendly match between Ajax and Rangers FC at Sportpark Mulderssingel on July 13, 2024 in Wezep, Neth…
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John Souttar earns Scotland call-up
Rangers centre-back John Souttar is the only Ibrox star who has made Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad.
Steve Clarke has named his Scotland squad for our UEFA Nations League matches against Croatia and Portugal later this month.
➡️ Read more: https://t.co/ieNWlGpzIM#CROSCO | #SCOPOR pic.twitter.com/HFtJAuXuXo
— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) October 1, 2024
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The 28-year-old defender was snubbed for Euro 2024 but earned a recall during the last international break, although Soapy never played in defeats to Poland and Portugal.
With Las Palmas defender Scott McKenna injured for this round of fixtures, the situation could change with Souttar on fine form at Ibrox this season.
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Souttar will be competing for minutes alongside Scotland regulars Grant Hanley (Norwich City) and Ryan Porteous (Watford).
Aberdeen defender Nicky Devlin has also been selected, whilst Preston North End’s Liam Lindsay could earn his first cap.
But one player who will not be turning out for the Scotland team this time out is Rangers midfielder Connor Barron.
Scotland U21 international Barron can count himself unlucky to miss out on Steve Clarke’s squad with the under pressure manager opting instead to look south of the border.
Connor Barron snubbed for West Ham squad player
An injury to Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn had some hoping Barron might earn his second call-up to the Scotland squad and his maiden cap for the country.
It comes with Connor Barron emerging as a key player for Rangers this season and earning plaudits for his fully committed, energetic and quality performances.
But Steve Clarke has instead opted to call up West Ham midfielder Andy Irving, who Rangers fans will remember best from his time with Hearts.
Barron has instead been called up to the nation’s U21 squad.
#SCO21s | Scot Gemmill has named his squad for our crucial double-header against Belgium and Kazakhstan.
➡️ Be there for a huge game at Tynecastle: https://t.co/7wJTD7jKo6#YoungTeam
— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) October 2, 2024
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Irving, 24, came through the youth ranks at the Jambos before spending time in Turkey & Austria and signing for Premier League West Ham United in 2023.
Having spent last season back in Austrian football, Irving has had first-team exposure south of the border this campaign, coming off the bench for West Ham three times.
This includes in the club’s last two Premier League matches against Chelsea and Brentford.
Never capped for Scotland, Irving has been selected alongside Napoli pair Billy Gilmour and Scott McTominay in the middle of the park for Scotland.
Norwich City’s Kenny McLean has also earned a place in the squad, with Ryan Christie (Bournemouth) and Ryan Gaud (Vancouver Whitecaps) the more offensive midfield options.
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Scotland National Team
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