Ryan Jack relishing midfield showdown with Lewis Ferguson at Ibrox as Rangers bid to extend winning run

If Ryan Jack left a void in the Aberdeen midfield when he moved to Rangers in the summer of 2017, it’s fair to say Lewis Ferguson has filled it since he joined the Dons the following year.

Lewis Ferguson has been in free-scoring form for Aberdeen this season and will relish the midfield battle against Rangers at Ibrox on Sunday. (Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group)

Rangers midfielder Jack admits he sees more than a little of himself when he watches Ferguson in action and is savouring the prospect of another tussle with the 21-year-old on Sunday when Aberdeen will attempt to be the first visiting side to either score or take a point in a Premiership fixture at Ibrox this season.

Ferguson has ambitions of joining Jack in the senior Scotland squad and has been in eye-catching form for Aberdeen in the current campaign, leading their scoring chart with nine goals so far.

“I don’t know him personally, but I have played against him enough times,” said Jack. “I know what he’s about. He’s a good player. Playing at the under-21 level for Scotland, he’s technically very good, physical and he enjoys the battle, pretty similar to myself.

"He’s gone to Aberdeen and done very well for Derek McInnes. I know Derek praises him highly so I’m looking forward to playing against him again on Sunday.”

When the 2020-21 Premiership season began, Rangers’ trip to face Aberdeen on the opening day was regarded as an immediate litmus test of their ability to mount a sustained title challenge after their efforts to dethrone Celtic had faded away in the previous two campaigns. Steven Gerrard’s side responded with a 1-0 win which has laid the platform for their still unbeaten league season so far.

“I think that definitely was the case,” added Jack. “We knew that every time we have gone to Pittodrie, especially in the last couple of years, it has always been a tough venue for us. There were games where we had been in control, but it can get away from you because they are a good side.

"We knew that was a big start. We had to get three points. We got that and thankfully we kicked on from that. At the time, the manager said he hoped it was a marker for us.”

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