Kyle Lafferty thought Ryan Jack was a decent player when he was at Aberdeen.
Whenever he came up against the former Dons skipper for Rangers he admired how – even against the top clubs – he would try to control games.
When Lafferty returned to Ibrox for a second spell in 2018, he got a proper close-up look at Jack.
And the Northern Irishman was blown away by his quality.
So much so, he believed when the midfielder was performing at his best, he’d be capable of playing at English Premier League level.
That’s why Lafferty can’t wait to see Jack return to Steven Gerrard’s line-up after a torrid time with injuries.
The 29-year-old is back in full training and could be involved in today’s league clash against Ross County at Ibrox.
If not, Jack will almost certainly be back after the international break to bolster Gers’ engine room.
And former team-mate Lafferty says Jack’s comeback will be a key factor in Gerrard’s men going on to secure their second straight Premiership title.
While the club won’t have a kitty in January to add to their squad, the Northern Irishman claims getting Jack fit will be like unveiling a new, multi-million pound signing.
In an exclusive MailSport interview, Lafferty said: “Playing against Jacko in the games I did, I thought he was a good player.
“He would try to control games but, playing for Aberdeen, they didn’t get much of the ball especially against Rangers.
“What he did against us was good and that’s why we signed him.
“But then I actually got to train with Ryan and see him in games with my own eyes.
“And it was clear just how good a player he was.
“Before he got injured, I think people in Scotland were just starting to recognise how good he was and how pivotal he was to this Rangers team.
“At his best, he’s a player who could have gone on to play in the Premier League. But he’s had a tough time with injuries.
“So it would be absolutely massive for Rangers if he came back now as the same player he was.
“It would be like signing a new big-money player. And it would be hard for Steven not to pick him – he’s that good.
“Who you play around him will be down to the manager.
“But it would be a breath of fresh air to have Jacko back doing what he does – and also bossing so-called bigger names in the Europa League.
“He’s shown that before in my time there. In some of the games he played in, he dominated all over the park.
“Jacko is clearly one of the players that Steven wants back to full fitness.
“Everyone in the game knows this guy is a baller and a massive part of Rangers now, as well as their future moving forward.
“Him coming back at this time could be key for Rangers in going on to win the title because he has so much quality.
“It would be brilliant for him and the club. Hopefully the injuries have passed and I’m expecting him to come back even fitter and stronger than before.
“It will be an exciting time for Rangers supporters when they welcome him back into the team.
“Knowing Steven, Ryan’s probably someone he looked at and saw a bit of him.
“I really hope he gets back quick and hits the ground running.
“For Rangers to go on and win the title, having him and Steven Davis controlling things in midfield will be crucial.”
Lafferty, who is now playing for Cypriot side Anorthosis Famagusta, spent a year at Rangers under Gerrard having previously won three titles at the club under legendary gaffer Walter Smith.
He knows Rangers have endured a slightly sticky spell this season, which includes dropping six points at Ibrox already in the league campaign.
But he’s convinced that the winning mentality Gerrard has managed to instil in his players will ensure they come good next May.
And he believes handling the huge pressure on their shoulders last term to win the title will stand them in good stead this time around.
He said: “When you’ve won a title you have to go again the following season. That’s just part of being at Rangers.
“You must win every game and your performance has to be up to scratch or someone is waiting to fight you for the shirt. It’s healthy to have that.
“Last season was so important because all the pressure was on Rangers to stop Celtic doing 10-in-a-row. There was real pressure on them so to go through the whole league season without getting beat was brilliant.
“Coming out on top, with that intensity in every game, was just exceptional.
“But that’s what Steven has brought to Rangers, that winning mentality.
“He didn’t win any titles at Liverpool as a player. But you could see by watching him that he wanted to win every single game he went into.
“He used to come off the pitch exhausted and that attitude is what he has drilled into the Rangers squad.
“Every game is a must-win and there are players there who haven’t had that before playing for smaller teams.
“He’s got the best out of them. It was a great achievement last season and the most important title to get.
“They have to go again this season and I’ve no doubt they’ll get 56.”
On Thursday night, Rangers fought back – not for the first time this season – from a goal down to get a Europa League draw against Brondby that keeps alive their qualification hopes.
The game changed when Gerrard brought Ryan Kent, Kemar Roofe and Ianis Hagi off the bench, with the Romanian grabbing an equaliser.
And Lafferty says the strength in depth at Gerrard’s disposal is why they’ll come out on top domestically again this season.
He said: “You know that even if they have one or two injuries, the player coming in will actually strengthen the team in a certain way.
“They also have the likes of Scott Wright and Scott Arfield to come off the bench.
“In midweek, they brought on Hagi, Kent and Roofe.
“That’s just a ridiculous bench.
“Those players would walk into any English Championship side, never mind the other Scottish teams.
“It’s a very strong squad they’ve got. And they will strengthen again when they get the chance.
“I know Steven and Michael Beale would probably have liked to be even further ahead at the top of the table.
“But every team has a difficult spell. It’s about how you come out of it – and Rangers have good people in control of things there.”
