WITH domestic action having paused in Scotland, international duty calls for several Rangers players over the next ten days.
Preparations are ramping up ahead of this year’s World Cup for a host of stars, while there are vital Nations League fixtures for many of the Light Blues’ European contingent.
Below is a rundown of the players in action for their countries, including fixtures, dates and kick-off times:
Scotland: Ryan Jack, Robby McCrorie
Ryan Jack has been an ever-present in Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad over the years when available, playing an integral role in helping the side achieve qualification to UEFA EURO 2020 a few years ago.
Robby McCrorie has also been drafted into the squad as a late replacement for Jon McLaughlin, with the Gers Academy graduate having also been involved in the previous international camp back in June.
Wednesday 21 September: Scotland v Ukraine – 19:45
Saturday 24 September: Scotland v Republic of Ireland – 19:45
Tuesday 27 September: Ukraine v Scotland – 19:45
Croatia: Borna Barisic
Borna has been a regular fixture in the Croatia squad since his move to Ibrox in 2018 and he will be relishing his side’s upcoming Nations League fixtures this week.
The full-back is certainly in fine form as he jets off to represent his country, supplying his countryman Antonio Colak for the forward’s second goal against Dundee United at the weekend with a fine cross.
Thursday 22 September: Croatia v Denmark – 19:45
Sunday 25 September: Austria v Croatia – 19:45
Steven Davis: Northern Ireland
Davis is set for his 19th season in international football ahead of Northern Ireland’s clash with Kosovo this weekend.
Ever the consummate professional, the 37-year-old is closing in on 140 caps for his country and he is showing no signs of slowing down as he targets qualification to UEFA EURO 2024 for the Green and White Army.
Saturday 24 September: Northern Ireland v Kosovo – 19:45
Tuesday 27 September: Greece v Northern Ireland – 19:45
Glen Kamara: Finland
Finland face a couple of crucial Nations League fixtures as they aim to aim to dislodge Bosnia and Herzegovina atop Group B3.
Kamara has proven a vital piece in the jigsaw on the international stage for his country and he tends to lead by example with his performances.
Friday 23 September: Finland v Romania – 19:45
Monday 26 September: Montenegro v Finland – 19:45
Malik Tillman: USA
Tillman’s impressive performances this season have earned him a call-up to the USA squad for their upcoming friendly matches.
With the World Cup in Qatar just around the corner, the midfielder will be keen to give manager Gregg Berhalter food for thought as he prepares to finalise his squad.
Friday 23 September: Japan v USA – 13:25
Tuesday 27 September: Saudi Arabia v USA – 19:00
Rabbi Matondo: Wales
Matondo has been included in the Wales squad as they step up their preparations ahead of the World Cup later this year.
The 21-year-old will be targeting a place in the final squad for the trip to Qatar and he will hope to be involved in this month’s Nations League action against Belgium and Poland.
Thursday 22 September: Belgium v Wales – 19:45
Sunday 25 September: Wales v Poland – 19:45
Ridvan Yilmaz: Turkey
The summer signing has been included in the Turkey squad as they look to continue their dominant Nations League group campaign.
The 21-year-old has made a big impression in his early outings for the Turkish national team, although he missed the June international break through injury before joining Rangers this summer.
Thursday 22 September: Turkey v Luxembourg – 19:45
Sunday 25 September: Faroe Islands v Turkey – 19:45
Fashion Sakala: Zambia
Sakala has been called up to the Zambian national team for back-to-back friendly fixtures against Mali.
The forward has netted six goals in just under 20 appearances for his country and he will be eager to nail down a starting berth ahead of the African Cup of Nations in 2024.
Friday 23 September: Mali v Zambia – 20:00
Monday 26 September: Mali v Zambia – 20:00
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