BBC pundit urges Michael Beale to make ‘biggest call’ over Rangers midfielder Ryan Jack
Kenny Miller feels that Rangers should keep midfielder Ryan Jack as Michael Beale wants to trim down his squad in the summer.
Writing his column for The Sunday Mail (page 64-65, 19 February), Miller suggests that Beale needs to make the “biggest call” on the futures of key players like Jack who still has got “lots to offer”.
The BBC Sports pundit says that Jack has been at the club for six years now and his leadership is crucial. On a free transfer, he will have suitors in England and would be a really good signing for any club, if he leaves.
“The biggest call is which of Ryan Jack, Scott Arfield, Allan McGregor and Steven Davis do you keep?,” wrote Miller for The Sunday Mail.
“Jacko is an interesting one. When fully fit, he still has lots to offer. He has been at the club six years and over the course and distance. Ryan will also have suitors. Being 30 and coming out of Rangers on a free, after everything he’s achieved and the level of games he’s played, would make him a really good signing.
“I’m sure there will be teams at the top end of the Championship in England or even abroad who have seen him perform in Europe.
“But I know he will want to stay at Rangers. I’d like to think his time hasn’t run its course.”
Summer overhaul
Irrespective of how Rangers end the season under Beale, one thing is pretty clear – we will get to see a busy summer transfer window.
The Gers boss has made it clear that he will make the necessary cull. At the moment, the squad is bloated with over 30 senior players. Beale needs to cut it down to 21-22, and integrate more young players from the academy.
Interestingly, he has got loads of players who are in the final few months of their contracts while there are others who have contracts until 2024.
Rangers won’t be able to recoup enough money from player sales, given their contract situations, while replacements are also needed.
Jack is a class player who has done well under Beale so far, and it’s unclear whether he will be given a new contract.
His injury problems are also a concern for the club. Anyway, the club can always look to negotiate a different sort of deal, considering all aspects, and see if they really want Jack to stay put.
In other Rangers news, the club are in line for a multi-million windfall from the Premier League after a £10m Auchenhowie milestone was reached.