Rangers fans and players alike were in a good mood on Sunday, not only did we see a first start since September for Ryan Kent but Ryan Jack also returned to action.
The Scotland international has had a frustrating few years but his performances in the past have justified Steven Gerrard’s decision to show patience with a midfielder cut from similar cloth to himself.
It’s no coincidence that when the big games come around, Jack is in the starting XI, his ability to contribute both in and out of possession makes him one of the first names on the team-sheet, something that his former team-mate, Kyle Lafferty, has backed him to do again now that he is fit, as told to Football Scotland:
“At his best, he’s a player who could have gone on to play in the Premier League. But he’s had a tough time with injuries.
“So it would be absolutely massive for Rangers if he came back now as the same player he was.
“It would be like signing a new big-money player. And it would be hard for Steven not to pick him – he’s that good.
“Who you play around him will be down to the manager.
“But it would be a breath of fresh air to have Jacko back doing what he does – and also bossing so-called bigger names in the Europa League.”
Lafferty is right, Jack has shown for Rangers in Old Firm derbies, the Europa League and for Scotland that he is a player that can be relied up, his return will be like the proverbial new signing given how long he has been out for and how we have struggled to control certain games without him.
Will Gerrard go to Aston Villa?
Yes
No
The big question will be whether or not he can regain the form that made him so important to Gerrard, his running power was a huge strength in his play, it might take time for Jack to rediscover his touch but, knowing the standards that he sets for himself, it wouldn’t surprise me if, when he first starts a game, that it looks like he’s never been away.