Greg Stewart has told the Record’s Rangers podcast that Ryan Jack is the first name on Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s Ibrox team sheet. Stewart also shared the text he sent Jack after he returned from injury earlier this term.
Jack, 30, has been excellent since returning from the long-term calf injury that kept him sidelined for a large chunk of last season, and the first half of the 2021-22 campaign. He has returned to play 12 times in all competitions.
His performances in the league have been strong, but it in the Europa League where the Scotland international has sparkled – helping Rangers see off Borussia Dortmund over two legs, and then Red Star Belgrade last week.
Jack, who has started his side’s last two games against former side Aberdeen and then Dundee in the Cup, is expected to start against Red Star on Thursday. Stewart praised him, and revealed the text he sent to him.
“The way he trains, he loves the club. I text him, after his first game back, I said ‘Mate, you wouldn’t have even thought you were out injured’. He looked fit, normally you would look tired after coming back.
“He looked stronger. He’s had a tough year, but now – he is probably the first name on the team sheet,” Stewart told the Record’s Rangers podcast.
Stewart on Jack: Rangers star is crucial to van Bronckhorst’s side
Though injury prone, Jack has been magnificent since returning from injury this season. As Stewart says, he has been like a new signing in that Rangers midfield. Van Bronckhorst’s best option, compared to the others.
Glen Kamara, Joe Aribo, Aaron Ramsey, John Lundstram and plenty of others provide the competition but if Jack is fit – he must start. He has surely got to be involved for Scotland at the end of the month.
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