Rangers plan to 'wrap up' Ryan Jack as Steven Gerrard purrs over goal

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has hailed the goalscoring return of Ryan Jack to his side and outlined plans to ensure the Scotland midfielder can avoid any further injury problems this season.
Rangers manager Steven Gerrard congratulates Ryan Jack after the midfielder made a scoring return to action in the 5-0 win over Ross County at Ibrox. (Photo by Rob Casey / SNS Group)Rangers manager Steven Gerrard congratulates Ryan Jack after the midfielder made a scoring return to action in the 5-0 win over Ross County at Ibrox. (Photo by Rob Casey / SNS Group)
Rangers manager Steven Gerrard congratulates Ryan Jack after the midfielder made a scoring return to action in the 5-0 win over Ross County at Ibrox. (Photo by Rob Casey / SNS Group)

Jack found the net with what Gerrard described as one of his favourite goals of the season as Rangers swatted Ross County aside 5-0 at Ibrox to move 23 points clear of Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership.

The 28-year-old’s appearance as a 61st minute substitute was his first since a long-standing knee problem flared up again against Aberdeen last November. Jack was outstanding in his spell on the pitch against County and Gerrard is keen to be able to call on him more regularly in the remaining months of the campaign.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“The key is to wrap him up and make sure he's fit and available for as long as possible,” said Gerrard.

“It's so important to have Jacko back for many reasons. He's a fantastic footballer but he also drives standards, the way he trains and goes about things.

“He demands from others, he's a leader and has been a captain before.

“I was lucky to take on Ryan Jack and the longer we can keep him fit between now and the end of the season, the better it is because he makes the group stronger.

“I thought his goal epitomised our performance. It came from the corner flag in the left back area.

“I'm not sure how many passes were involved but it was one of my favourite goals of the season so far.

“It would do me and the team no harm if he continues to score important goals but that's his first of the season. If he can score goals, that’s a bonus. I’m looking for the all-round performance.”

Gerrard was also delighted with the contribution of Jack’s fellow substitute Bongani Zungu, the South African international midfielder also impressing.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Jack and Zungu being in midfield as a two looked really strong,” added Gerrard. “There was no dip when they came on.

“It’s always a concern there could be a dip, not in the quality of the player you’re introducing but them getting into the speed and rhythm of the game.

“But Jack and Zungu were outstanding in the 30 minutes they were on pitch.”

Read More
How the Rangers players rated in comfortable 5-0 Scottish Premiership win agains...

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this article. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by coronavirus impacts our advertisers.

If you haven't already, please consider supporting our trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription.

Comments

 0 comments

Want to join the conversation? Please or to comment on this article.