{{primary_category}}
{{/primary_category}} 
Barry Ferguson wowed by 'excellent' Ryan Jack and insists he still has a future at Rangers
Barry Ferguson insists Rangers midfielder Ryan Jack still has a future at Ibrox after his “excellent” performances in recent weeks.
The Scotland international is currently out of contract at the end of the season and is yet to be offered a new deal to stay at Ibrox beyond the summer.
But after Michael Beale admitted that he would like to work with Jack in the long-term following his performances since his arrival, it’s now believed that he will pen an extension, and the Daily Record [22 March] reported that the Gers veteran is likely to sign a new deal.
And speaking to GoRadio [29 March, 19m:50s], Ferguson insists Jack’s recent performances show he still has what it takes to succeed for the club when fit.
He said: “I think he’s been excellent over the last three or four weeks for Rangers.
“A lot of people have been talking about (Nicolas) Raskin and (Todd) Cantwell, and rightly so because they have impressed but Ryan Jack’s been a big part of that.
“He’s the one that keeps it solid in the middle of the pitch and lets the footballers go and do their stuff.
“The only issue with Ryan Jack is making sure he continues to be fit week in and week out, and if Jack is free of injury, I still think he’s got a big part to play at Rangers.”
Much to ponder
While Jack has been in excellent form in recent weeks, especially alongside January signing Nicolas Raskin, the Gers must remain ponderous as to whether the player deserves a new contract.
At 31 years old, Jack is going to be on the decline rather than an upward trajectory and with Beale expected to refresh his squad in what is expected to be a pivotal and busy summer, it’s unlikely that the veteran ace will be playing much next season also.
Also, his injury record in recent weeks will worry Gers officials and they may feel the money used to extend his contract could be better served spending it on a much younger and more durable midfielder this summer, which is in line with Beale’s expected squad profile for the future.
The Gers do have a terrible record of handing contracts needlessly or even sitting back and allowing the contracts of key stars to wind down and handing Jack one may be deemed as a gamble. If the Light Blues aren’t confident of acquiring another midfielder this summer, then handing Jack a one-year extension could prove the more sensible option.
In other Rangers news, Richard Keys has blasted former manager Steven Gerrard for celebrating in front of Celtic fans during a legends game.