RY SMILE FOR GERS MANAGER
STEVEN GERRARD hailed Ryan Jack’s goal-scoring return for Rangers - but admitted he will have to take special care with the Scotland midfielder to ensure he does not suffer a repeat of his recent injury woes.
The rampant league leaders were already three goals up against Ross County when Jack climbed off the bench on the hour mark to make his comeback after two months out with a troublesome knee injury.
And it took him just six minutes to fire his first goal of the season as he started then finished off a sublime team goal.
Rangers ran out 5-0 winners in the end as they marked Gerrard’s 150th game in charge with a 12th straight league win at Ibrox this term.
But the highlight for the Ibrox boss was seeing his star midfield man back in action.
“It’s so important to have Jacko back for many reasons,” said Gerrard (inset). “He’s a fantastic footballer but he also drives standards, the way he trains and goes about things.
“He demands from others, he’s a leader and has been a captain before.
“I was lucky to take on Ryan Jack and the longer we can keep him fit, the better because he makes the group stronger.
“I thought his goal epitomized our performance. It came from the corner flag in the left back area.
“I’m not sure how many passes were involved but it was one of my favourite goals of the season so far.
“It would do me and the team no harm if he continues to score important goals but that’s his first of the season.”
Headers from Ryan Kent and Filip Helander either side of James Tavernier’s missed penalty - the skipper’s second spot-kick blunder in the last fortnight - put Gers on easy street inside half an hour.
Joe Aribo added a sensational third before half-time as he danced in from the corner flag before whipping an unstoppable strike past Ross Laidlaw.
Jack made his return and got Rangers back on a roll, with Goldson sealing a victory which puts the Ibrox men 23 points ahead at the top.