Ryan Jack having to miss the European Championships is a huge blow for him personally, but the reason for his absence is good news for Gers fans and Steven Gerrard.
Vital Rangers has already reported that the Scotland international should be fit for pre-season which would mean that it isn’t major surgery that is seeing him miss out on a first major tournament for his country but there are still doubts about his ability to play 40-50 games as season.
Stephen Kelly will report for pre-season with two excellent loan spells under his belt, he has proven that he can not only compete but dictate games in the Premiership, Nnamdi Ofoborh will arrive from Bournemouth but he shouldn’t be expected to contribute straight away which means that at least one “risk free” midfielder should be signed.
We’ve seen recent speculation linking us with John Lundstram on a pre-contract deal from Sheffield United as well as a move for Joey Veerman at Heerenveen, both of these would be suitable for the short and long term, if the money is right.
The one that excites me the most though is Billy Gilmour, his ability to not play for weeks and then slot seamlessly into Chelsea’s starting XI is remarkable, that he shone in his side’s 2-1 win over Manchester City once again underlined his potential to be one of Scotland’s best players – if Steve Clarke ever gives him the chance.
Vital Rangers Goal of the Season
Defoe v Livingston
Roofe v Standard Liege
Jack v Kilmarnock
Tavernier v Dundee United
If Thomas Tuchel can’t guarantee him the game time he needs to develop, Gerrard has to pick the phone up and ask the question, not only would he be perfect cover for Ryan Jack but he could also be used to give Steven Davis a rest from time-to-time – two birds with one stone.
Gilmour is going to be a player who is well out of our price range in the very near future, it would be nice to see him return to his spiritual home to see him in a different shade of blue, fulfilling a destiny the many of us thought was a foregone conclusion once upon a time.