RYAN JACK is an 'integral' part of the Scotland squad according to national team manager, as he praised the Rangers midfielder after his comeback from long-term injury.

Jack's season was cut short last April, meaning he missed the European Championships after helping Scotland qualify, but he has made an impressive return to action at club level since coming back into the Rangers team last month.

That has earned him a recall to Clarke's squad for this international window, and the Scotland head coach is delighted to have a man he considers a 'key' figure back in the fold.

"Ryan Jack is back in because he was an integral part of my squad before he got his injury," Clarke said.

"He’s come back with Rangers and has done fantastic. He deserves to be back in.

“He’s due all the credit you want to give him but I never really had any doubts about Ryan because of his character. I know what he’s like and I obviously spoke to him a couple of times over his prolonged period out.

“He was an integral part of the team that qualified for Euro 2020. That he couldn’t make it was disappointing for me but probably devastating for Ryan.

“So to come back and hit the ground running? Normally, I think if someone is out for six months injured it normally takes a similar length of time before they get back to their levels. Ryan was out for the best part of a year and he’s come back at his normal level.

“That’s credit to the work that he did over his rehab period and the fact he has such a strong mental attitude that he can be such a key player for Rangers and hopefully for Scotland going forward.”

Clarke is hoping meanwhile that Nathan Patterson can force his way into the Everton starting XI, revealing he has spoken to Toffees manager Frank Lampard about the lack of minutes the former Rangers youngster is currently getting at Goodison Park.

“He’s had almost nothing in terms of game time," he said. "It would have been difficult to think about playing Nathan in a really competitive match like a play-off semi-final.

“I feel this is an opportunity to get some minutes into his legs which will be good for us and good for Nathan. Hopefully, he performs so well that he makes Frank pick him for Everton.

"I know Frank well and I’ve had a little conversation with him about Nathan but obviously Frank is in a situation where he is scrapping for points to stay in the Premier League. It’s difficult when your captain is also a right back in Seamus Coleman."