Former Aberdeen youth coach Neil Cooper has insisted that “everyone” involved in the Dons’ youth system knew Ryan Jack would develop into a “top-class player” – and believes that the former Pittodrie skipper has done “fantastically well” since moving to Rangers.
Cooper worked with Jack as he made his way through the system at Aberdeen and the former Pittodrie coach isn’t surprised to see him earn rave reviews at Ibrox from Steven Gerrard.
The former Dons coach backed away from agreeing with Gerrard that Jack should be a regular in the Scotland squad – but admits the Gers have a “really good player” in their ranks.
“Everyone involved with the set-up at Aberdeen knew Ryan would go on to be a top-class player,” Cooper said, as quoted by the Daily Record.
“He was very strong on the ball and didn’t get knocked off it very easily – and that helps him to keep possession and keep the game moving.
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“He has done fantastically well and Rangers have a really good player there.
“In terms of the Scotland scene, it’s up to Steven Gerrard to make that comment. That’s not really my call. The Scotland management goes out and picks the players they want for their squads and that’s their decision.”
Jack has been a consistent figure in the side under Gerrard this season and has consistently shown his class for the Light Blues.
The midfielder scored a crucial Old Firm winner over Celtic in December to grab his first goal for the club since signing in 2017.
With Gerrard’s side continually improving, Jack will have a massive role to play next season as the Gers look to finally end Celtic’s domestic dominance.
