The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
‘Crazy’ journey is so sweet for Jack
Rangers midfielder Ryan Jack spoke of his “crazy” journey to tonight’s Europa League final against Eintracht Frankfurt.
At the pre-match media conference in Seville, the Scotland international was referred back to Rangers’ embarrassing 2-0 Europa League qualifying defeat by Luxembourg minnows Progres Niederkorn in 2017, which saw them exit 2-1 on aggregate.
It was Jack’s second game for Rangers following his move from Aberdeen and, five years later, the Light Blues are preparing for their first European final in 14 years.
The 30-year-old said: “It has been a crazy journey if you like.
“I would have never thought I would be sitting here speaking to you about potentially playing in a Europa League final.
“I am proud and grateful to be here and hopefully we can take the trophy home.” Jack is also grateful to be within one game of a European winners’ medal after the disappointment of missing out on the delayed Euro 2020 with Scotland through injury.
He was out from February to November last year after requiring a calf operation.
Jack said: “Missing the Euros that summer was a tough moment, no doubt, but I worked hard in the off-season.
“And then it took a bit longer than I thought it was going to originally.
“It was a long journey, a lot of hard work, a lot of long hours – but times like this make it all the sweeter,” said the former Don.
Meanwhile, the Glasgow club were given a major boost after striker Kemar Roofe was passed fit.
Roofe has not played since helping Rangers beat Celtic in the Scottish Cup semi-finals on April 17, after picking up a knee injury.
Manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst admitted last week the former Leeds and Anderlecht player’s fitness would be a close call for Seville, but he returned to full training earlier this week and is set to feature against Eintracht Frankfurt.
Van Bronckhorst said: “Kemar is available. He trained for the first time with us yesterday (Monday).
“He will be in the squad and if I want to use him he is available.”
Roofe has scored 17 times this season from 17 starts and 16 substitute appearances and hit the extra-time goal that took Rangers past Braga in the quarter-finals.
With top goalscorer Alfredo Morelos out for the season with a thigh injury, Rangers have started the likes of midfielder Joe
Aribo and wide attacker Fashion Sakala in the centre-forward role in recent weeks.
So Roofe’s return to fitness is a major lift for Rangers, even though the Light Blues managed without him in the last four.
“Of course it’s a boost for us,” Van Bronckhorst told the media.
“He got injured a couple of weeks ago, he was in a good spell, very important for the team.
“I’m happy he is back because he was working hard to be ready for the Leipzig game.
“He didn’t make it so we just extended it for him for the final.
“He is here and he is ready to play his part.”
Rangers will be without long-term absentees Morelos, Ianis Hagi and Filip Helander, but are otherwise expected to have everyone available for selection.