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Daily Record
Sport
Scott McDermott

The Ryan Jack Rangers record that underlines key status as Jonatan Johansson heaps praise on midfielder

Ryan Jack has been on the pitch for 1110 Premiership minutes this season.

And in that time, Rangers defence has been breached once.

Of all the records broken and statistics created by the table-topping Ibrox club and Steven Gerrard's group of players – this might just be the most impressive of the lot.

When Scotland midfielder Jack is in the team, they simply don't concede. A last-gasp equaliser from Hamilton on Sunday was a rare blip.

They've only lost eight league goals in total, as they sit 21 points ahead of Old Firm rivals Celtic.

Their defensive solidity has played a massive part in that, with the likes of 'keeper Allan McGregor and centre-backs Connor Goldson, Filip Helander and Leon Balogun getting deserved praise.

But it's no coincidence that when Jack plays, they're pretty much impenetrable.

Whether he's Gerrard's midfield pivot or if he's pushed forward to play a box-to-box role, the 28-year-old's positional play has been terrific.

Jack sniffs out danger before it happens, whether Rangers are in or out of possession.

But none of that is a surprise to one of the men who helped bring him to Ibrox in 2017.

Some people might have forgotten that Pedro Caixinha was responsible for his free transfer signing from Aberdeen.

Pedro Caixinha with Jason Holt and Ryan Jack (SNS Group)

For all his faults, the Portuguese coach – who flopped in Glasgow – acquired two of the players who have been key men for Gerrard, in Jack and Alfredo Morelos.

Caixinha's assistant, ex-Ibrox striker Jonatan Johansson backed a pursuit of the midfielder the minute he saw his name on a list of Scottish targets.

And it's proved to be one of the best pieces of business Rangers have done in recent years.

Johansson, now gaffer at Finnish club TPS, believes Jack has improved under Gerrard to become a top European and international player.

And that incredible stat in relation to Jack's performances didn't come as a surprise.

He told Mailsport: “When I came to Rangers as a coach under Pedro, there was a list of Scottish players the club were interested in and Ryan Jack's name was there.

(Getty Images)

“Everybody was pretty much in agreement on that one. I think the deal was done pretty early, it was one of the first Pedro did as manager.

“Certainly, everyone at the club approved of it and it's been a very good bit of business by Rangers.

“Historically, Rangers have always been about getting talent from Scottish clubs, who are doing particularly well.

“That's been an important part of the club's recruitment in the past and that's what they did with Ryan.

“They're still doing it now, by getting Scott Wright in from Aberdeen.

“It doesn't always have to be about big money or big foreign signings. Ryan is the perfect example of that.

(SNS Group)

“You can get some super value from the domestic market as well, Ryan is proof of that.

“Rangers have got Jack and Glen Kamara for a combined total of £50,000.

“That's where scouting comes into it. Then it's about getting deals done when they're fairly cheap. And then obviously, you put the work in to improve them as players.

“Ryan has improved a lot in the last few seasons. You can see that in the Europa League games, where he looks like an international player.

“And he's also a regular in the Scotland team now as well.”

Morton boss Jonatan Johansson (SNS Group)

Everyone in the country knew Jack was a good player at Aberdeen and a vital part of what they achieved under Derek McInnes.

But Johansson is convinced that he's now taking his game to a new level.

The Finn believes his mentality, will to win and intelligence on the pitch are all vital components that make him a crucial part of what Gerrard is trying to achieve at Ibrox.

Johansson said: “First and foremost, Ryan is a team player. He was Aberdeen captain when he came in to us.

“But whether he's got the armband or not, he's a captain on the pitch. He's an organiser and a winner.

“Ryan can get really angry at times, but for the right reasons.

“It's because he's a competitive guy and a great team-mate - he's one that you can always trust.

“When I look at Rangers games now, I can see that the older he gets, the more he's maturing.

“His fitness levels are probably better now than when he signed. He's the type that every team needs in that position.

“Ryan's always available to receive the ball. He takes on that responsibility.

“He understands the game really well. Remember, he's also played at right-back before for Scotland so he understands different positions and his positional sense on the pitch is excellent.

“He's obviously very good on the ball and I think something Steven has brought out in him is getting forward.

“He gets in the box now, he shoots and scores goals. So his all-round game is getting better and better.

“I can't stress the importance of him being in the team. He got a new contract recently and with stats like this, that's no surprise.

(SNS Group)

“What Rangers have, especially with Jack in the team, is the balance in midfield.

“When they lose the ball, they look really solid anyway. You don't feel like the opponent is going to go and score against you when they've gained possession.

“His positional sense in and out of possession is really good. That's why he always finds good positions to pick up the pieces and recover the ball.

“That has a lot to do with why they've not conceded when he's playing.

“But Ryan's general knowledge of the game is very good.”

If they stay fit – and Rangers can hold on to them - Jack and Kamara can be cogs of Rangers' engine room for the next few years.

Johansson said: “Everyone in Finland can see what a good player Glen is. We've been raving about him from an international point of view.

“We're lucky to have him here. He now looks like a total midfielder, with and without the ball.

“Ryan and Glen are both on long contracts. They'll be vital to Rangers' success for years to come.

“But if someone is willing to pay a big fee for them, everyone has their price, of course.

“Rangers are making signings now, which show there's an ambition to build a team for the future.

“They have a really good base already and the recruitment looks excellent. 

“But it's important to keep players like those two, who are proven in Europe, for as long as they possibly can.”

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