Jacko’s back and has key to title Dorr
Graham Dorrans believes old pal Ryan Jack has returned from his injury nightmare better than ever – and will be key to Rangers’ title hopes.
The former Ibrox midfield star was thrilled to see Jack boss Borussia Dortmund on only his second start since last February in Thursday’s sensational 4-2 victory in Germany.
He is convinced that Jack, who turns 30 next Sunday, has his best days ahead of him after being plagued by calf problems.
And the former West Brom and Scotland ace is sure they will be spent trying to win silverware at Rangers – even if there’s interest from England.
Dorrans said: “Steven Gerrard was great for Jacko.
“Someone of his stature who played that position giving him those accolades did his confidence the world of good.
“Hopefully he continues to push on under the new manager and get even better because the sky’s the limit for him.
“He’s definitely a player who could play in the top league in England but, knowing Jacko, I’m not so sure he’d even want to think about going anywhere else.
“He’s as big a Rangers fan as anyone in there. He’s going to give 110 per cent every time he goes out there.
“He’ll want to stay, win many league titles, go on long European runs like they’re doing. He’s still got a lot to do there.”
Dorrans, whose two-year spell at Gers was hampered by ankle and knee injuries, says Jack has been through the mill in the past year.
Se v e r a l comeba ck attempts were shelved and he’d made five appearances as sub since November before a starring start in the 5- 0 romp over Hearts.
Dorrans said: “It’s been immensely diff icult for
Jacko. I still speak to him quite a bit and know he’s been a bit low through it all.
“Injuries are part and parcel of football but it’s never nice and I know how difficult it is to be out long term. You think: ‘Can I get back to that level?’
“He’s obviously had a really tough time but he’s mentally strong. I’d a couple of chats with him, said to keep going and work away.
“But it’s never easy, no matter who you speak to, when you’re sat in the gym looking out the window watching the boys train.
“One thing I’ve noticed, particularly on Thursday, was the time he’s spent in the gym. He’s bulked up, he looks bigger on top.
“I think that’s helped him and I’m absolutely delighted to see him come back in the manner he has.
“He’s put in the work and looks every bit as good, if not better – and stronger.”
Dorrans and Jack joined Gers when Pedro Caixinha was boss in the summer of 2017. But Jack was sent off FOUR times in a harrowing first six months with his boyhood club.
He has since won a title for a team of Invincibles and will be pivotal to Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s bid to defend that crown.
Dorrans added: “I know Jacko can be the differencemaker from now until the end of the season.
“He’s been a huge miss. He’s the first name on that team sheet now.
“He’s got so much quality, he’s so comfortable on the ball, can get about the pitch, takes it anywhere, links defence to attack.
“Thursday was a 10 out of 10 performance against a world- class team with world-class players.
“You could real ly see what Jacko brings to this Rangers team.”