By George Overhill

28th Mar, 2023 | 5:10pm

Rangers ace Ryan Jack 'different class', obvious why Steve Clarke loves him with Celtic captain Callum McGregor - Sky Sports pundit

Ryan Jack is “extremely clever” and the Rangers midfielder is one of the “best in the business” at what he does, according to Kris Boyd.

In firing back at the section of the Scotland crowd who booed the Ibrox man in the 3-0 win over Cyprus on Saturday (25 March) the Sky Sports pundit heaped praise on the 31-year-old’s ability while backing his international partnership with Celtic captain Callum McGregor under Steve Clarke.

Jack’s time in Glasgow is currently in line to end in the summer when his contract expires, although Michael Beale has hinted that an extension could be on the way.

Boyd said in his column for the Scottish Sun on Tuesday (28 March): “There’s no doubt the Scotland manager loves to have [Jack] alongside Callum McGregor at the base of his midfield when the occasion demands.

“Understandably so as the pair are among the most consistent players in the country.

“He’s not the flashiest but Jack is one of the most effective. In terms of being in the right position all the time and allowing those around him to perform at the highest level, he’s different class.

“He’s an extremely clever player and one of the best in the business at sensing and snuffing out danger. He’s outstanding at breaking up play and recycling the ball.

“Sometimes that work goes unnoticed, but those who play both with him or against him certainly appreciate his quality.

“He’s a valuable member of any team and that’s why Clarke always has him there.”

Effusive

Jack has certainly received heavy backing from Boyd and based on his recent form it is justified, although Scott McTominay’s double as a substitute at the weekend shows the threat to his international place.

Injuries have arguably prevented the Rangers midfielder from reaching his full potential but while it would be a folly to extend the deals of some exit-bound Gers veterans this summer there is certainly a decent argument to keep him around.

His fitness record may be the only thing at this point that stands between him and a new contract at Ibrox, but his manager clearly believes in him and so does Boyd.

Just 15 international caps at his age is indicative of the injury problems he has faced, and while he isn’t perfect as a player he has a lot of qualities that are not replicated elsewhere in the squad.

John Lundstram’s drop off in form after a strong first season in Glasgow has put all the more responsibility on Jack’s shoulders, with the likes of Glen Kamara or new boy Nico Raskin different types of player entirely.

When he is on his game he provides the ideal platform for the attacking players to perform, and if he keeps up his current domestic form there is no reason why he can’t line up alongside his Hoops opposite number for the national team a good deal more times.

In other Rangers news, a massive £21.5million fee should be adequate compensation already for a club to consider letting a forgotten gem return to Ibrox.