Stevie takes pressure off star – but could impact UCL
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Kirk O Rourke/Rangers FC/Shutterstock 11872852u Rangers Manager Steven Gerrard during the Scottish Cup quarter final match at Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow. Rangers v St Johnstone, William Hill Scottish Cup, Quarter Final, Football, Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow, UK - 25 Apr 2021 EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Rangers v St Johnstone, William Hill Scottish Cup, Quarter Final, Football, Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow, UK - 25 Apr 2021 EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTXHUNxGRExMLTxCYPxROMxBULxUAExKSAxONLY Copyright: xKirkxO Rourke/RangersxFC/Shutterstockx 11872852u
After something of a hiatus, Ibrox Noise returns, and the first thing we’re looking at is the mixed news for Ryan Jack from Steven Gerrard.
Regulars will know we reported on the colossal boost for Rangers’ attempts at the UCL and securing 2IAR next season in the form of Ryan’s successful surgery and his return this summer, but the manager has somewhat tempered expectations significantly by saying it’s not even close to certain Jack will be available for UCL qualifiers.
“Ryan has had successful surgery. We spoke to the surgeon after the operation and he was really happy with how that went. He will start his rehab now and hopefully we’ll have him back some time in pre-season. Will he be fit for the Champions League qualifiers? I think it’s too early to say that. You’re looking at something like a three-month rehab from surgery – and that’s assuming everything goes according to plan. It’s too early to put a game or a date target on that. If he could be available for the qualifiers that would be fantastic for everyone connected to the club, but one thing for sure is we won’t be rushing it. It’s the type of surgery where you can’t afford to rush it. You’ve got to let it take its course. I know Jacko will be pushing to get back as quick as he can but we’ll be guided by the medical advice. The key for me is not to put a time on it and get Ryan Jack in the best possible shape so he can repeat games, because if he does he makes my team and squad a lot stronger, that’s for sure.”
It’s a very lengthy quote from the boss, and it’s clear that Jack could make it, but it’s far from guaranteed and Stevie wants to take the pressure off him to get there in time.
But the issue here is unless Rangers nail a gem or two in the transfer window this summer, Jack’s absence puts UCL qualification at risk big time.
His reading of the game in front of defence supports so much around him, and it’s no exaggeration to say he was a massive reason we got through to the group stage of the UEL this season with an impressive performance v Galatasaray.
However, being positive, Rangers did outstandingly in Europe without him too, making it to the last 16 with his only being involved in a single 90 minutes after the home draw with Benfica, so as important as he can be, he isn’t indispensable.
But he would missed if he doesn’t make it, that’s for sure.