WHEN he was a young lad kicking the ball about the garden, it is doubtful whether Ryan Jack was necessarily dreaming of playing in the Europa League group stages. But the magnitude of occasion which the competition has thrown up at Ibrox tonight? Absolutely.
Having missed out during the qualification process several times with former club Aberdeen, and having been ruled out through injury for Rangers’ opening fixtures against Villarreal and Rapid Vienna, the 26-year-old was starting to think he might never get the chance to play on such a stage.
Thankfully for him, and his team, the curse looks to have been lifted. He is back in the Rangers squad, fully fit and raring to go.
“When I was joining Rangers, the hope of playing at this level of European football was a big factor,” said Jack.
“I felt that we were building a squad of players that could hopefully make the group stages. I had missed out on that opportunity two or three times in the past.
“Thankfully, this season, the manager has built a really strong squad and a really good group of players.
We have managed to make the group stage, which is great. But I have not played in either of the first two games, so I am itching to be involved. I can’t wait.
“When you watch a match like the one against Rapid Vienna here, then of course you want to be out there and involved.
“You could see from the way the team played – right from the kick-off – that we were set up to go out and attack. The aim was to really take the game to Rapid and be positive. The fans really bought into the way we played, and I thought the boys were excellent that night.
“Tonight, it’s more about a similar performance. I’m sure if we can put in the commitment – and show that desire – then the fans will come with us again.
“We are all looking forward to trying to get another positive result.
“It’s frustrating any time you pick up an injury or a knock. But it’s part of football. It’s about concentrating on your recovery and making sure you get fit.
“At this club, there are always big games coming thick and fast and you can see that again with this week.
“I’m just delighted to be back in the squad and available. I’m really looking forward to what is a big week ahead for the club.”
Jack hasn’t played since coming on as a second-half substitute in the win over Hearts prior to the recent international break, but he says that manager Steven Gerrard should have no fears about ring-rust if he is to pitch the midfielder straight into his side for tonight’s match, with Scott Arfield ruled out through injury.
“When you are out injured, it is important to keep doing the right things,” he said.
“You have to keep eating the right foods and living the right way, because all of that is key for the time when you do come back into training.
“It’s important you keep your standards regardless of any disappointment you feel. You can’t let things slip just because you are not on the pitch or out there training every single day.
“The staff we have at the club are very professional. They are on top of all bases for the players, whether you are injured or fully fit.
“They were all excellent with me. The physios did a great job and got me back to fitness 100 per cent.”
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