It’s finally Jack’s time to shine on Euro stage
RYAN JACK has been waiting a long time for this moment to arrive. After so many disappointments, a chance to make an impact on the Europa League group stage finally lies in front of the Rangers midfielder.
Part of the Aberdeen side which suffered qualifying-round defeats to Real Sociedad, Kairat Almaty and Maribor over three successive seasons, Jack hoped his fortunes would improve with a move to Glasgow in the summer of 2017.
Progres Niederkorn swiftly shattered that ambition. Barely in the door at Ibrox, the midfielder had to cope with being part of one of the worst continental results in Scottish football history.
The arrival of Steven Gerrard in June brought fresh belief. Stepping up to play a key part in getting Rangers through an eight-game qualifying process, the 26-year-old stood tall as one of the nine men who saw them over the line against Russian side Ufa in August.
Even then, Jack was denied fulfilment. A calf injury sustained during September’s international break meant he was unable to play any part in the opening Group G games against Villarreal and Rapid Vienna.
Now fit for tonight’s home meeting with Spartak Moscow, and likely to be handed a starting role with Scott Arfield still injured, Jack is understandably eager to get going.
‘When I was joining Rangers, the hope of playing at this level of European football was a big factor,’ he admitted yesterday.
‘I felt we were building a squad of players that could hopefully make the group stages. I had missed out on that opportunity two or three times in the past.
‘Thankfully this season the manager has built a really strong squad and a really good group of players.
‘We have managed to make the group stage, which is great. But I’ve not played in either of the first two games so I’m itching to be involved. I can’t wait for tomorrow night.’
Jack was in the Bill Struth Main Stand three weeks ago when two goals from Alfredo Morelos and a James Tavernier penalty put Rapid to the sword at a raucous Ibrox.
‘When you watch a match like the one against Rapid Vienna here, then of course you want to be out there and involved,’ he added.
‘You could see from the way the team played — right from the kick-off — that we were set up to go out and attack. The aim was to really take the game to Rapid and be positive. The fans really bought into the way we played and I thought the boys were excellent that night.
‘Tomorrow, it’s about a similar performance. I’m sure if we can put in the commitment — and show that desire — then the fans will come with us again.
‘We are all looking forward to trying to get another positive result.’
Gerrard clearly values the Scotland cap’s capabilities. In what could be regarded as just about the ultimate accolade for a midfielder, the Rangers manager claimed he was ‘jealous’ of Jack’s dominant display in the hard-fought qualifying success over Croatian side Osijek.
His subsequent calf knock may have been particularly poorly timed, but Jack refused to become despondent. After missing six months of last season with knee ligament damage, he was able to retain perspective.
As it is, the comeback brings Jack into a crucial few days. Sunday’s Betfred Cup semi-final against his former Pittodrie employers comes hard on the heels of the Spartak showdown.
‘It’s frustrating any time you pick up an injury or a knock,’ he reflected. ‘But it’s part of football. It’s about concentrating on your recovery and making sure you get fit.
‘At this club, there are always big games coming thick and fast and you can see that again with this week.
‘I’m just delighted to be back in the squad and available. I’m really looking forward to what is a big week ahead.
‘When you are out injured, it is important to keep doing the right things.
‘You can’t let things slip just because you are not on the pitch or out there training every day.
‘The staff we have at the club are very professional. They are on top of all bases for the players, whether you are injured or fit.
‘They were all excellent. The physios did a great job and got me back to fitness 100 per cent.’