PLAYERS have decided to Jack in the Scotland team every other month recently.
But as high-profile team-mates went AWOL, one man has continued to turn up for duty.
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Jack in action against CyprusCredit: Kenny Ramsay - The Sun Glasgow
In Cyprus Ryan Jack's commitment was rewarded with a top display in a rare Scotland away win.
There were times when the Rangers midfielder probably wondered if international football was worth all the effort.
Booed on his debut by Scotland fans two years ago, Jack hasn't had it easy since either.
He's been in outstanding form with his club - but has been overlooked at this level amid a glut of midfield options.
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Jack and John McGinn celebrateCredit: Kenny Ramsay - The Sun Glasgow
Steve Clarke finally gave him his chance in Cyprus and the 27-year-old produced a mature, understated performance.
The Scotland boss has about a dozen players competing in that central area but has been searching for the right formula.
On this showing, the Old Firm alliance of Jack and Callum McGregor could be the best pairing of them all.
They dovetailed superbly in the middle and allowed John McGinn to go on the rampage like only he can.
Jack has the experience, discipline and positional sense to complement McGregor. He can also play a bit.
Just take a look at the reverse pass to his Celtic rival to set Scotland away for Ryan Christie's opener.
It took out half the Cyprus midfield and summed up how far his game has come under Steven Gerrard.
Jack also plugged gaps in a way no other Scotland player really has since Scott Brown's time in that role.
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Steve Clarke applauds travelling supportCredit: Kenny Ramsay - The Sun Glasgow
And with a defence as shaky as Scotland's, that is a priceless insurance policy to have.
Jack was excellent but he wasn't alone as we finally got to really see Clarke's influence on the team.
The shape was good, there was balance and Christie and McGinn were clinical with goals in either half.
Cyprus were out to make history by finishing third but Scotland - minus half a team - secured a much-needed win.
The Tartan Army loved it. They are a long-suffering bunch but this trip was hardly a slog for the diehards.
There are a lot worse places to spend a few days in November than sunny Cyprus.
Around 3000 punters travelled over and soaked up the rays in Nicosia and Larnaca.
It was 22 degrees at kick-off, with the sun bathing the away end behind one goal at the GSP stadium.
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Christie after opening the scoringCredit: Kenny Ramsay - The Sun Glasgow
They had arrived hours early and weren't shy in getting stuck in to cans of the local Keo lager outside.
When the stadium DJ put on a raved-up version Zorba the Greek, the dancing started too.
Cyprus striker George Efrem also showed off his snake hips with a slaloming run into the box.
His shot crashed off the underside of the bar and crossed the line. It was clear to everyone - apart from the ref.
There wasn't any goalline technology or VAR but hapless Austrian Harald Lechner shouldn't have needed help.
That hopeless call set the tone for a blundering, baffling display full of bizarre decisions for both teams.
Callum McGregor got a ridiculous booking for trying to kick a stray ball off the pitch - and hitting the matchball.
Cyprus hardman Jason Demetriou then somehow dodged a red for aiming a kick at Greg Taylor.
CYPRUS 1 SCOTLAND 2 John McGinn and Ryan Christie secure Euro qualifying win
How Lechner ended up on the Uefa list is a total mystery. He was completely out of his depth.
Not that Scotland were complaining about the phantom goal. It was a lucky break and they took advantage.
Christie's wonderful strike finished off a slick, incisive move involving Jack, McGregor and McGinn.
It was classy stuff and showcased everything that can be good about this Scotland team.
The second goal was another patient and inventive attack, ending with McGinn guiding a shot into the corner.
Clarke has so many attacking options middle to front. What he needs is a focal point at No9.
Steven Naismith has the quality and experience to be that man. You just worry about his fitness.
Named captain on his 50th cap, the Hearts man lasted an hour before going off injured.
It was worrying to see him pick up yet another knock - as he'd made his presence felt.
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Moaning, pointing, cajoling and being an all-round nuisance to Cyprus, this was vintage Naismith.
As Scotland players celebrated the first goal, he made a beeline for the defenders to raise an issue.
Clarke needs leaders like him and let's pray is body holds up to make him available for the play-offs.
Defence remains the big issue for the Scotland boss, although Liam Palmer now looks a find at right-back.
In the middle, Declan Gallagher won his first cap and stood up well in a calm performance.
The big Motherwell man has had a tough road to get to this stage - professionally and personally.
Gallagher's past is well documented but he's focused on the future he didn't look out of place in a Scotland trip.
Beside him, Scott McKenna had a mixed night and the Aberdeen defender still has those rough edges.
He will never struggle physically but some extra composure would make a helluva difference to his game.
Exhibit A was the Cyprus equaliser. McKenna took a heavy touch and then committed a needless foul.
The free-kick was popped in, only half-cleared and Efrem finally got the goal he deserved.
There were a few other scares and you get the feeling those games in March could be a defensive rollercoaster.
All the more reason to keep a switched-on Jack in front of the back four for extra protection.