The big shining aspect of Scotland’s ultimately comfortable victory over Curaçao is just how many Rangers players were actually involved in the winning goals, namely two. Findlay Curtis and Lawrence Shankland both won this match for Scotland after the side crashed into a very early and unexpected conceded goal. Admittedly, it was a heck of a strike, with a counter punch and amazing pace from the Curaçao forward. But Rangers’ John Souttar and teammate Scott McKenna were completely done for by the pace and could not handle the lad at full stretch.
Rangers Turn The Match Around
But Scotland came back thanks to Shankland, thanks to Curtis and then thanks to Curtis yet again, who won the penalty. Christie slotted it home, but why Curtis couldn’t we don’t know. Would have put him on a potential hat trick. At the end of the day, Rangers players played a big role in this one. John Souttar did his best with the goal but could not stop it. And, of course, his two teammates shone at the other end to bag two goals and then a penalty.
A Strong Rangers Influence
The point is, it is good to see Rangers players shining and featuring for Scotland again. It has been years since Rangers players were at this level and producing at this level for Scotland. Our own players have been overlooked because they just were not up to it. But now there is Shankland, Findlay and Souttar. Liam Kelly may not feature but is part of the picture. Steve Clarke clearly feels that he has talent on his hands to bring into the national side. They are, of course, great players, one and all.
Souttar’s Difficult Role
And while Souttar did not have the best season last campaign for Rangers, he is still a staple for the national side. And when on his game, he is a very solid and robust blocking defender. He is good at what he does. It is just that he has not been at his best this past season. And in all fairness, he was playing on the left hand side of the partnership between himself and McKenna. Souttar is a right footer who struggles on the left. When he is already not in spectacular form for Rangers on the right, which is his favoured position, Scotland having him on the left is really not going to get the best out of him either. Steve Clarke’s outstanding management helping with that one.
Curtis And Shankland Shine
But Rangers players were shining at the other end. Curtis winning that penalty, scoring that stunning goal and Shankland with a double. It is good to see Rangers having a big footprint in the national side. It is how Scotland should be. And maybe, just maybe, Ibrox Noise might actually start to like the national team again properly.