ian1964 10,721 Posted November 7, 2017 Share Posted November 7, 2017 Malky Mackay has called upon the Tartan Army who turn up at Pittodrie on Thursday evening to leave their club allegiances at the door and get behind Rangers player Ryan Jack. The former Aberdeen captain may expect to be the subject of some abuse from fans who are still upset at his decision to leave the club in the summer to join their Glasgow rivals, particularly with the sides expected to be battling it out for second place in the Premiership this season. But Mackay believes that situation to be completely irrelevant to the game against The Netherlands, and he expects nothing less than total backing to be given to all of the players who pull on the dark blue shirt on Thursday night. “If he puts a Scotland strip on, he’s a Scotland player,” said Mackay. “He’s playing at home, in his own country, in one of our own stadiums. “I would hope and expect that all of our fans will absolutely get behind him.” Mackay is realistic enough to know though that his plea may fall on deaf ears with some of those in attendance in the north-east. But he says that he had absolutely no doubts about including the 25-year-old in his squad, and he has no concerns whatsoever that the player will be able to handle whatever treatment may come his way as he earns his first full senior cap. He said: “That’s something he’s going to have to do for the next three or four years of his contract at Rangers anyway, so to actually say to someone I’m not going to pick you for Scotland and put you in that blue strip at the peak of your career in years to come because you were transferred from Aberdeen to Rangers? No. “He’s not the first, and he’ll not be the last. He’s a big boy, and I’m pretty sure he’s had to put up with plenty of abuse before.” Mackay is hoping that a vociferous home crowd turns up at Pittodrie to help the national side overcome the formidable challenge that lies ahead in the shape of The Netherlands. “They will have a point of prove, and no matter what, Holland is a good test and a top fixture,” he said. “They battered Sweden in their last fixture, so this is going to be a really tough game. That’s what we’re expecting, and that’s why we’re doing so much tactical work on it, but I would expect us to go and try to beat Holland. Without a doubt. “That’s what I want our Pittodrie crowd, and I’m hoping it’s a full house, to come and see.” http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/15644242.Malky_Mackay_calls_upon_Tartan_Army_to_leave_club_allegiances_at_home_and_get_behind_Rangers__39__Ryan_Jack/ 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frankie 8,562 Posted November 7, 2017 Share Posted November 7, 2017 Apparently Jack will be playing right back so it will be interesting to see how he plays in that position. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gonzo79 15,292 Posted November 7, 2017 Share Posted November 7, 2017 Sums up the Scotland support that McKay needs to say that. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Devil's advocaat 1,541 Posted November 7, 2017 Share Posted November 7, 2017 'Sums up the Aberdeen support that McKay needs to say that. ' Fixed that for ye. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pete 2,499 Posted November 7, 2017 Share Posted November 7, 2017 A high number of Dutch players have called off so it will be like a Dutch reserve team. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
StuGers 477 Posted November 7, 2017 Share Posted November 7, 2017 Is it just a Scotland thing or are there other countries where players of a certain club are vilified when playing for the national team? 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
26th of foot 6,082 Posted November 7, 2017 Share Posted November 7, 2017 Ian Black capped as a Rangers player at Easter Road, booed every time he touched the ball. Explained off as, "special circumstances". Lee Wallace capped against Malta in Valetta, and a group of Hibees carried a banner proclaiming, 'Lee Wallace is a grass'. It's reported on BBC Radio Scotland as a sniggerfest; banner first reported at Edinburgh airport receiving thumbs up from airport staff, then it's applauded in every bar prior to game, and then a wondering aloud as to it's disappearance at the match? Ryan Jack will be the next set of special circumstances. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
compo 7,030 Posted November 7, 2017 Share Posted November 7, 2017 What amazes me is why is Mackay being employed with his previous . 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Uilleam 5,929 Posted November 7, 2017 Share Posted November 7, 2017 i, for one, should not wish to have the Tartan Army behind me. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill 13,717 Posted November 7, 2017 Share Posted November 7, 2017 He'll be boo'ed mercilessly, we know that. The only one who'll be in any way surprised or affected by the venom will be Ryan Jack himself. Hopefully it will remove any lingering feeling he has towards that truly horrible club in Aberdeen. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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