You may have missed it with the social media war that continues to rage between Rangers fans and journalists/media outlets in Scotland but there was some good news released by the club.
Steven Gerrard has named his Europa League squad and in it was one player who we have yet to see this season and has been sorely missed – Ryan Jack.
The gaffer hinted not long ago that a comeback for the Scotland international was on the cards, that patience was required, and that he was just waiting for the go ahead from the specialists:
“He’s getting closer and closer, but we need to be patient with him.
“He’s missed a lot of football but he’s one that we’re really looking forward to having back.
“Ryan’s a standard setter and someone who we’ve missed this season.”
Jack offers a balance to the midfield that no other player is capable of, he allows Steven Davis to dictate the tempo of a match without having to worry about being caught out too far up the pitch, he also covers James Tavernier better than anyone else in the squad.
Glen Kamara offers a similar effectiveness on the other side of the pitch, albeit in a totally different style, but he can’t do it on his own. It’s no coincidence that since Jack has been injured, our defence hasn’t looked the same and our performances – particularly in Europe – have not been at the usual high standard.
Jack might not score a lot of goals or create a lot of chances but he is as important to the way that Rangers play as anyone in the team, some of our best football last season was when he was playing as the sole sitting midfielder, a role he thrives in and one that, hopefully, we won’t have to wait too long to see him in.