Ryan Jack’s injury problems have been a constant source of frustration for the midfielder whilst at Rangers.
Jack, who was signed by Pedro Caixinha last season, started this term wonderfully under Steven Gerrard. The midfield general was getting stuck-in and looking like a real asset to Gerrard’s new-look Rangers.
It even prompted the Gers boss to claim that he was “jealous” of some of Jack’s performances. It was huge praise and he was absolutely flying as he helped Rangers qualify for the Europa League group stages.
But a nasty calf injury lost him almost two months of the campaign. Now, he’s fit, firing and ready to prove he can get back to where he was before.
Jack explained to the official Rangers website how he overcame his injury problems.
“Any time you pick up an injury or a knock it is frustrating but it is about recovery and getting yourself right and fit. At this club there is always big games coming thick and fast and as you see this week I am delighted to be back in the squad and looking forward to the big week ahead
“I have not played the first two games so I am itching to get involved.
“When you are out injured you just have to keep doing the right thing, keep eating the right foods and keep living the right way because it is all key for when you do get back training. It is important you keep your standards and you don’t let things slip just because you’re not on the pitch or training every day.
“The staff have done excellently with me, as have the physios and they have all got me back one hundred percent.”
Deserves a chance to shine
If Jack really is over his injury problems at Ibrox, then he deserves his chance to shine. He was a big part of why Gerrard’s Rangers ticked in the early stages.
He would’ve been the kind of player to help Rangers dominate on Sunday against Hamilton, and his enthusiasm is infectious. You can’t help but feel sorry for the former Dons midfielder considering his stop-start time at Ibrox.
Fortunately for him, however, Gerrard is a huge fan of his. Whilst the likes of Graham Dorrans and Ross McCrorie are struggling for chances, Jack could be thrust back into action.
He may not start against Spartak, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see him play some part. The dip in form of Lassana Coulibaly has come at a bad time, and perhaps the introduction of Jack could help the Mali international get going again.
Regardless, it’s great for Rangers fans to hear that Jack was working tirelessly when out of action. Everyone will be hoping that his hard work is now once more reflected in his performances.