Wales manager Robert Page has made a friend of Rangers with his respectful treatment of in-form and full-fit Aaron Ramsey by confirming he has sent the midfielder back to Rangers so he can be injury-free and completely ready to face Celtic.
In a deeply respectful act of football dignity, Page noted Ramsey toiling a little towards the end of the Austria semi and left him out of the Czech follow up friendly entirely purely out of respect towards Rangers and the player himself, to give him every chance of facing the Parkhead side.
He said:
“We didn’t need to risk Aaron. Let him go back to his club with full fitness and play in a wonderful game, the Old Firm derby on Sunday.”
He added:
“There was no injury. It was a no-brainer. What we have to do is show respect to the clubs as well.”
This is what we need, national team bosses showing respect, decency and courtesy to clubs who free their players so they can represent their country, but there was literally no reason to risk him against the Czechs when such a massive match is imminent v Celtic and it appears Ramsey will start it.
This is the kind of relationship Rangers want to have with national teams, with even Colombia behaving themselves re: Alfredo Morelos as well.
A little respect and courtesy really does go a long way.