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.
