Having dual nationality and the ability to play for multiple nations may be nothing new in football, but Scotland and Spain are not usually countries that are merged.
Jack Harper, though, is proof that such a blend can occur. Not only that, he’s the rare case of a young Scottish footballer than hasn’t been immediately tied up by Celtic or Rangers.
Instead, Harper has spent most of his time outside of Britain, with six years as a youth player at Real Madrid the stand out achievement, nut that doesn’t mean he’d rule out the Celtic or Rangers option.
He left the Bernabeu aged 18 when they made it clear he would be loaned out, instead heading to Brighton before finally settling at Málaga.
A solid two years there earned him a move to Getafe this summer, with the 23-year-old spending a season at Alcorcón first.
For now, the focus is very much on forging a career in Spain, and Harper admits he’s not thinking about Celtic or Rangers just yet, despite their ‘mythical’ qualities.
“People don’t know how important both teams in Scotland are,” he told El Desmarque.
“The league is becoming more powerful, but I don’t think about it now. I have twelve years left in my career, and anything can happen.”
Despite not eyeing up a return to Scotland just yet, Harper has ensured he is well abreast of the goings-on in the Scottish Premiership.
This year is proving to be one of the more exciting in recent years, with Steven Gerrard’s rebuild of Rangers in full swing.
They currently find themselves two points clear of Celtic at the top of the table after eight games, although Harper is remaining neutral for now.
“My parents (are Rangers), I am a little more neutral. I like to watch the derbies for the passion and intensity, but I do not choose,” he added.
“Yes (I follow the league), and more now that the Rangers has once again become a strong team.
“They had problems, went down to the third tier, and Celtic won eight leagues in a row.
“Now with coach Steven Gerrard, everything is going better. In general, the Scottish Premiership is very beautiful; it has very mythical teams.”
