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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
Sport
Ross Pilcher & Mark McDougall

Every Rangers and Celtic player going to Euro 2020 and their chances of making an impact

Players from the Old Firm going to international tournaments is nothing new.

But this year the Scottish contingent from Glasgow's big two are getting in on the act.

Scotland boss Steve Clarke has included six Celtic players in his squad and two from Rangers, with three of Steven Gerrard's overseas stars also called up for their respective countries.

Ryan Jack would have been joining his teammates but for injury, while Leigh Griffiths' lack of fitness and game time at Parkhead meant he ultimately missed out.

However, there is still healthy representation from the Scottish Premiership pair, and Glasgow Live has looked at all the names involved and assessed their chances of making an impact.

Jon McLaughlin - Scotland

In the Scotland squad but highly unlikely to see any game time in the coming weeks.

Craig Gordon and David Marshall are set to fight it out for the starting jersey meaning McLaughlin is set to remain as a back-up.

He wouldn’t let anyone down if he did get a chance and he’s probably unfortunate to have two excellent keepers in front of him.

Some would suggest his form of 12 clean sheets in 14 matches for Rangers last season could earn him a chance, but Clarke is likely to go with the tried and tested at this level.

Greg Taylor - Scotland

Group A with Czech Republic, England and Croatia

The left back/wing back is going as back up to Andy Robertson and will almost certainly start amongst the substitutes.

A solid enough option if god forbid the skipper picks up an injury. Kieran Tierney could slot in, but his displays at centre back mean he’s more likely to stay there in that situation.

Borna Barisic - Croatia

In a group along with England, Czech Republic and, of course, Scotland. The left back is probably the Rangers player with the ambitions of going furthest in the competition.

They might not be the team they were three years ago when they reached the World Cup Final but they’ll still look to go far.

A place in the last 16 should be the minimum they expect and Barisic has secured his place as starting left back in the team.

Scotland will know all about his set pieces and ability to pick a cross out from anywhere on that left foot and he’ll need to be watched closely.

Don’t be surprised to see Barisic and Croatia go deep into the tournament.

Filip Helander - Sweden

The centre back is in a tough group that includes Spain, Poland and Slovakia. That means he’s likely to be up against players of the calibre of Robert Lewandowski, Ferran Torres and Gerard Moreno.

Helander has had some injury issues towards the end of the season so will be desperate to get himself ready. He hasn’t been involved in either of their two warm up games against Kamara’s Finland or Armenia and that will be a worry.

He had fought his way into the team in the World Cup qualifiers in March and will be hoping to stay involved.

It’s a tough group but with some third placed teams going through, Sweden will hope they have a chance.

Jack Hendry - Scotland

Group A with Czech Republic, England and Croatia

It’s easy to forget Hendry is still a Celtic player, but his form on loan in Belgium with Oostende earned a place in the squad.

The centre back was involved in Scotland’s last Europa League games and netted his first goal for his country with a fine strike against the Netherlands in midweek. Has a good chance of being a starting member of Clarke’s back three if previous selections are anything to go by.

Nathan Patterson - Scotland

The Rangers right back was a bit of a surprise call-up to Steve Clarke’s squad.

In the same group as Barisic against England, Croatia and Czech Republic, it’ll be a tough one if the youngster gets his chance.

He’s likely to play back-up to Stephen O’Donnell but don’t be surprised to see the right back force his way in at some point.

James Forrest and Ryan Fraser can also fill in there but he’s potentially the most natural player in that wing back role in the 5-3-2 that Clarke likes to use.

Callum McGregor - Scotland

Group A with Czech Republic, England and Croatia

The midfielder has endured a mammoth season with Celtic, making 49 appearances in total before you take international duty into account.

At one point he’d have been a first pick for his country, but the options Steve Clarke has now mean he’s not a guaranteed starter. Will battle it out with Scott McTominay, Billy Gilmour, John McGinn, John Fleck and club teammate David Turnbull for one of the midfield slots.

Glen Kamara - Finland

In Group B with Denmark, Belgium and Russia. Kamara is likely to be a starter in midfield for the Finns.

They’re at their first European Championships but will fancy their chances of making it through, albeit in a difficult group.

They’ll be up against a Belgium side who fancy the latter stages of the tournament while Denmark and Russia will look to impress too as hosts.

It’s set to be an interesting group but there’s no reason Finland can’t be dark horses with the likes of Kamara and former Celtic striker Teemu Pukki, providing the Norwich hitman is fit enough after a knock.

David Turnbull - Scotland

Group A with Czech Republic, England and Croatia

Made it into the squad after being one of the bright spots in a dismal Celtic season. Was handed his Scotland debut in last Wednesday’s 2-2 draw against the Netherlands and performed well.

Might not be in Steve Clarke’s first choice XI as things stand but is definitely one the can be called on if more creativity is needed in the middle of the park.

James Forrest - Scotland

Group A with Czech Republic, England and Croatia

The winger’s season has been blighted by injury at Celtic and only returned to fitness towards the end of the season. That and the wing back system Scotland tend to deploy mean he might have to wait for his chance from the start.

Has been used as a right wing back before but Scotland seem well covers din that area so more likely to be vying with Ryan Fraser for a starting spot further forward.

Ryan Christie - Scotland

Group A with Czech Republic, England and Croatia

Scored the goal that looked like it was taking us to the Euros until conceding a last-minute equaliser in Belgrade, but it all worked out in the end. Has produced some moments of magic for Celtic this season while not being at it every week.

Can be a real creative spark and valuable source of goals for Scotland as a second striker, and might be used if Clarke doesn’t want to go with Che Adams and Lyndon Dykes or Ryan Fraser isn’t 100 per cent fit.

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