Hartley says the time is right for Ryan Jack
As a youngster coming through the ranks at Aberdeen, Ryan Jack always impressed Paul Hartley.
The Pittodrie club’s elder statesman at the time liked the teenager’s attitude and his desire to succeed.
That’s why it’s no surprise to the Cove Rangers manager to see the midfielder become an accomplished performer at Rangers, and controlling matches for them.
Hartley thinks Jack is now ready to go and perform on the international stage.
He wouldn’t be surprised to see Scotland gaffer Steve Clarke play him against Russia on Friday night in the crucial Euro 2020 qualifier at Hampden Park.
Hartley – himself capped 25 times for his country – said: “First and foremost, Ryan is a good lad, and he just loves his football.
“When he was coming through the system at Aberdeen, he caught my eye.
“He stayed behind most days to do extra training, and it’s great when you reap the benefits of hard work.
“He was level-headed, he was hungry to learn about the game and he always looked for advice and guidance from the coaching staff and the senior players.
“For a variety of reasons, you can never be 100% certain that young professionals will go on to play at the highest level for a number of years.
“But I did have a good feeling about Ryan. “He started as a right-back, and then moved around, playing in different positions to help the team.
“We played together as I was coming towards the end of my career. Ryan eventually learned the central midfield role himself, and he is doing ever so well now.
“His move to Rangers was always going to be a massive challenge for him, and it clearly took him a while to get to grips with it all.
“He was getting red cards, and people were talking about him for that rather than his ability.
“That must have a been a difficult time for him.
“But he now looks every inch the part, and must be one of the first names on Steven Gerrard’s team sheet.
“Indeed, with Steven being one of the finest midfielders in European football of the past 20 years, it looks as though he has been a massive influence on Ryan.
“Ryan is much more disciplined and composed. He has matured very nicely.
“He is 27 now, and should be going into the best five years of his career.
“That’s also great news for Steve Clarke and the Scotland team.
“Yes, we are well off for midfielders, but you can never have enough quality players and Ryan ticks the boxes. He is ready to be influential on that international stage.”
Hartley played for Scotland managers such as Walter Smith and Alex McLeish, and had to battle it out with the likes of Barry Ferguson, Darren Fletcher, Lee McCulloch and Scott Brown to get into the team.
Jack also faces tough competition to get into the national side, with the likes of Scott McTominay, John McGinn and Callum McGregor to contend with.
Hartley said: “If asked to play, Ryan would not let his country down. To me, he looks absolutely ready for it.
“There are two massive games coming up, but it’s all about Friday night against Russia.
“That is a must-win game. We can then look ahead to Belgium on the Monday night when the Russia game is over.
“The onus will be on the Scotland players to attack and get the victory. But that requires discipline at the back and in the holding-midfield area.
“Ryan will guarantee Scotland the comfort of sitting in front of the central defenders and not straying.
“That will allow the more naturally attackminded players to roam and get into the final third.
“Sure, we know that Scott McTominay can also do that to wonderful effect, but Ryan may also have a role.
“The engine-room is so important in every team, and I remember it was great to be a part of such a strong contingent of players when I was involved a decade ago.
“But, of course, it’s not about any individual. “The most important thing is that Scotland get three points. It’s at that stage where points are vital and three points are needed.
“The double-header against Russia is possibly make-or-break, and I fancy Steve and the players to get the result the nation is looking for.
“There will be a massive crowd and that will help. I wish Steve and the players all the best.
“He has been brilliant over the past two years, and we all hope he carries the fantastic form he had at Kilmarnock into the national set-up.
“The country is desperate for success.”