Ryan Jack could be in line for a new Rangers contract with Michael Beale confirming that an announcement could be imminent.
Speaking to BBC Sport after the 3-0 hammering of Celtic, the Gers gaffer was pressed on news about the Scotland midfielder and was clearly tempted to say more than he should.
Ryan Jack is out of contract in the summer and, despite a recent knock keeping the 30-year old out for a few weeks, he deserves to stay at Rangers.
As a home grown player, Jack staying has a secondary benefit but, having spent much of the summer on the treatment couch he will be a real asset with a full pre-season behind him now that he appears to be over the worst of his injury issues.
Is Ryan Jack about to sign a new Rangers contract?
When asked if there was any news of Ryan Jack signing a new Rangers deal, Michael Beale teased:
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“Really positive, it’s just a matter of announcing.
“I’m not allowed to!
“Listen, I’ve said before I want Ryan to stay for days like today, we know that.
“I think this season he’s been available 80-85% of the time so the injury he got recently was really unlucky. He’s put his leg out to block a shot in training and theres nothing he could do but hes bounced back within three weeks, he’s been training two days and he’ll be glad to have put that performance in.
“I know we’ve got a fantastic midfielder there.”
Ryan Jack was outstanding against Celtic, the cover he gives to the full-backs, James Tavernier in particular, is a key component of Rangers system working.
Celtic had less space than normal to attack into and only managed a couple of counter attacks over the whole game, one of which when Jack had his pocket picked by Matt O’Riley.
We’ll put that down to rustiness.
Nobody else in the squad does what Jack does to the same level, he allows others to play to their strengths.
It’s no coincidence that John Lundstram also had a good game which is usually the case alongside Jack, giving the former Sheffield United man the opportunity to get forward more rather than building play from the back.
Michael Beale needs to find help for Ryan Jack to keep him fit for key Rangers games, he doesn’t and shouldn’t have to play against lower level domestic opposition and 40 games a season is more than acceptable.
But, in terms of any confirmation, it’s a case of “watch this space”.