Steven Gerrard confirms Rangers star who ‘does everything right’ won’t play on Thursday night

Add as preferred source on Google

Glasgow Rangers boss Steven Gerrard has confirmed that Ibrox midfielder Ryan Jack won’t be risked in Thursday night’s Europa League encounter.

The 29-year-old has struggled with injuries at times this season and hasn’t played since the 4-1 win over Dundee United last month.

Gerrard says Jack’s condition is improving and admitted he could have been ready for Thursday’s meeting with Slavia Prague, but has decided not to risk him.

“If I wanted Jacko to be ready he would be but I decided to just hold back on him,” the Rangers boss is quoted by the Daily Record as saying.

“He’ll be available for the second leg, I don’t think it’s right to push Ryan.

“Ryan has had a bit of a different injury this time and last time we probably pushed him a bit too quick.

“I’ve decided, rather than the medical team, to just hold fire on that. It was a difficult decision but I think the right one for the big picture.”

Gerrard also confirmed that forward Kemar Roofe is available for the trip to the Eden Arena, but captain James Tavernier “will be a little bit slower” to return to action.

TBR View:

Jack is a key figure in the Ibrox engine room – a player who “does everything right” on and off the pitch, in Gerrard’s words.

However, he has missed the last three games and, with Gerrard acknowledging the player might have returned too quickly last time out, it’s the right decision not to risk him.