‘It’s an aim I have for the future’: Rangers midfielder Jason Holt hopes to emulate Ryan Jack’s Scotland team call-up

RANGERS midfielder Jason Holt hopes to follow in the footsteps of team-mate Ryan Jack following the latter’s elevation to the Scotland squad.

Jack, a summer arrival at Gers from Aberdeen, was called into the national squad for the first time by interim manager Malky Mackay and could make his debut against Holland on Thursday.

That selection, and an apparent emphasis on selecting domestic players from Mackay, has given encouragement to players such as Holt to make the breakthrough to the top level.

The 24-year-old told RangersTV: “It’s great and I’m thoroughly delighted for Ryan. He really deserves it and obviously I’ll be watching and wish him all the best in the game.

“Hopefully in the future, more boys can start stepping up and getting into the squads. That will come from our own performances and performing on a consistent basis.

Rangers set to make their move and announce Derek McInnes as new boss this week

“If we do that, then hopefully we have a chance. Everyone’s ambition would be to play for their country, but personally you need to be playing every week and playing well too.

“It’s an aim I certainly have for the future.”

After a frustrating start to the season, Holt has started the last three matches, the most recent two of which have been wins for Graeme Murty in caretaker charge of the club following the departure of Pedro Caixinha.

Caixinha’s reign was plagued by rumours of a discontent dressing room, and Holt says the players are enjoying their football under the temporary manager.

“He’s been great,” he said. “Before the Hearts game we never had much time so it was a case of going out there and touching up on a few details, but we had the whole week leading up to the Partick game where we worked on a few things, and I think all the boys have thoroughly enjoyed working under him.

“It makes it easier when you win games of football, but like I say, all the boys enjoy working with him and I think you can see that in our performances.”