Ryan Jack won't play for Rangers against Hearts on Wednesday night, but he's so close to a return that Steve Clarke had no qualms about calling him up for Scotland.
The midfielder hasn't featured for Gio van Bronckhorst since he went off with a calf problem against Liverpool last month, sitting out the five Premiership and two Champions League games since as he slowly works back to fitness. His lack of football meant few expected to see him on the Scotland squad list a week ahead of their friendly with Turkey, but he was picked by Clarke and eases a minor selection headache with no Celtic players available.
It seems he's on the brink of a return although that won't come against Hearts on Wednesday night, with Clarke confirming that key game comes too soon for the 30-year-old, who has 13 caps for his country. However he says he wouldn't be surprised to see Jack feature against St Mirren at the weekend before the Premiership season breaks up for internationals.
Clarke said: "We've have consistent dialogue with Rangers and his injury has improved. I like Ryan as a player. He probably won't play against Hearts tonight, but he could be back at the weekend."
The Scotland boss has problems elsewhere as Celtic stars Callum McGregor, David Turnbull, Greg Taylor and Anthony Ralston are ruled out, as is Brentford's Aaron Hickey with injury. Step forward Lewis Ferguson and Calvin Ramsay - the latter earning his first ever cap after making an impression at Liverpool.
"I want to have a look at Calvin," said Clarke. "I know what he did at Aberdeen, he got a fantastic move to Liverpool and he made his debut at Anfield in the Champions League, which is not a bad start.
"He had an interrupted start to his Liverpool career because they found an injury but they've treated it well and he's had time to come through it. "I'm missing a couple of players in that position anyway, so it's a chance to get Calvin in and have a look."
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