Steven Davis handed boost as Rangers ace Ryan Jack withdraws from Scotland squad

Rangers interim manager Steven Davis has had a mixed start to life in the dugout following the departure of Michael Beale.

The temporary boss began proceedings in the worst possible way as the Scottish side lost 2-1 to Aris Limassol in the Europa League group stages on 5 October.

But he managed to bounce back as the Gers defeat St Mirren 3-0 in the Scottish Premiership on 8 October.

And the mixed news at Ibrox has continued, with midfielder Ryan Jack suffering a blow with his withdrawal from the Scotland national team.

Steve Clarke’s side take on both Spain and France in the current international break, but Gers ace Jack will not be available for selection due to injury.

There is, however, a positive in his withdrawal, not for the player himself but for his club manager, with Davis set to be happy that Jack now has time to recover from the issue.

The midfielder has missed the Rangers’ last two matches due to the problem, but recovering to then play for his nation would not have been an ideal scenario for Davis.

The Gers ace picked up the problem against former club Aberdeen on the final day of September, but was then called up for Scotland a handful of days later.

The fact that Jack had the problem before being selected by Clarke proves that the latter had hoped the injury was not too serious, and that he could recover in time to be handed minutes on the pitch for Scotland.

But that clearly hasn’t been the case, and the player will now be able to get back to full fitness on his own terms rather than being rushed back into action on the international stage.

It remains to be seen, however, when exactly he can make that full recovery, with Davis hoping it can be as soon as possible.