Why Ryan Jack should split up Scotland's midfield partnership of Callum McGregor and Billy Gilmour

When Steve Clarke abortively sought to call-up Ryan Jack for Scotland’s opening fixtures of their World Cup qualifying campaign around this time last March, he was emphatic in justifying the inclusion of the Rangers midfielder.

Even as the player, unbeknownst to all, was then a month into his sidelining with calf issues that would result in failing to start another game for his club until six weeks ago. “He has done well for us and he plays a certain position in midfield that without him we don't really have,” said the national manager, a huge admirer of the now 30-year-old. The present situation will be considered altogether different - just as Clarke has Jack back in his ranks for the forthcoming two friendlies taking place in the stead of the World Cup semi-final play-off rendered impossible following the war waged on opponents Ukraine by a Russian invasion.

Billy Gilmour was but a twinkle in the eye of Clarke when Jack earned his last cap in November 2020. Now, the midfielder, on loan at Norwich City from Chelsea, is the darling of the Tartan Army, an emblematic performer for the country across a near-century best winning run of six games. Operating in tandem with Callum McGregor, who has pushed his game to another level through growing in stature since the role of Celtic captain was conferred on him last summer, their pairing has been one of the foundations on which Clarke has rebuilt the national team’s competitiveness. All of which might suggest Jack is destined to be the odd man out over the three into two selection dilemma as the Scotland manager picks his line-ups for the encounters with Poland, and Wales or Austria over the next fortnight. Two assignments Clarke would be expected to utliise to ensure his team