The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Jack eager to make up for a missed opportunity
● Thwarted by hometown side but showpiece just a game away
Ryan Jack’s former club Aberdeen ended his hopes of playing in a cup final with Rangers last season.
Now Jack is hoping he can secure a first final appearance with the Light Blues when Rangers take on Hearts in a League Cup semi-final at Hampden on Sunday,
Jack, who signed a new contract with the Ibrox club last week, saw his hopes of playing in last season’s League Cup final dashed by the Dons.
Aberdeen also ended the Light Blues’ Scottish Cup hopes when they beat them 2-0 at Ibrox in a sixthround replay.
Those experiences stung Jack but he is determined to secure a winner’s medal.
He said: “Sunday is a massive game and we want to get to a cup final. Last year hurt but in football you have to move on. I believe we’ve got a much stronger squad this season and we’re playing well.
“Hampden is a big pitch and this will be the first time as a squad we’ve played there. Getting to cup finals is the platform we want.
“There’s no doubt we are a good side but we’ve not done anything or won anything yet. There is a long way to go to where we want to be.”
Jack illustrated why manager Steven Gerrard wanted to tie him down to a longer deal as he capped an excellent individual display with two goals in his side’s 4-0 win at Ross County on Wednesday.
The Aberdonian is clearly enjoying his football at the moment and insists it is hard not to under the tutelage of the management team of Gerrard and Gary McAllister.
He said: “I feel I’m playing the best football of my career. It helps with the guys I’m training and playing alongside every day. It’s all going good at the minute.
“I’m delighted to get a couple of goals but over the season everyone will have to contribute. If we are going to be successful everyone will have to play their part. It is the first time I’ve scored twice in a game and I’m delighted to score goals and help the team.
“Learning off the manager and the assistant, the way they go about their business and played the game, and having the opportunity to pick their brains every day, can only help me. The manager gives you freedom to go and express yourself.
“I wouldn’t say I speak to him every day but if there is anything the coaches see they let you know and the manager always says his door is open. They are legends and it is a privilege to learn from them.”