Philippe Clement tipped to make Ryan Jack call for Rangers clash v Celtic after new injury update
Rangers manager Philippe Clement won’t throw Ryan Jack back into the starting XI for the Old Firm clash with Celtic, according to Barry Ferguson.
The Light Blues make the trip to Hampden Park for the Scottish Cup final on Saturday (25 May) as they look to complete a domestic cup double and win the first Glasgow derby of Clement’s tenure at Ibrox.
While Jack’s inclusion in the Scotland squad for Euro 2024 suggests that he is fit and available to start at Hampden, Ferguson admits that he doesn’t believe he will be ready to be thrown straight back into the team.
Speaking on The Go Radio Football Show (22 May, 30:00) he said: “There’s a difference between being fit and training, and fit and playing. You need to get 90 minutes under your belt.
“If he was fit and had played the last few games I would have no issue with him playing, I think he’s a very good midfielder Ryan Jack, but in terms of playing on Saturday, I think it is too much of an ask for him to come in.
“I’m sure he will be on the bench. The surprising thing is that he has been fit over the last couple of weeks.”
Will Ryan Jack start for Rangers and Philippe Clement against Celtic at Hampden?
The middle of the park has been a major issue for the Gers against Celtic already this season and while Jack could potentially offer a solution to that problem, he has played very little football over the last few months.
It seems unlikely that Clement will throw John Lundstram back into the side following his terrible showing at Parkhead in the last derby and the Belgian has also been reluctant to start Nico Raskin at certain points this term.
That leaves a lot of decisions to be made ahead of Saturday’s clash, with the expectation being that Dujon Sterling and Mohamed Diomande will likely start in some capacity, with most pundits pining for Todd Cantwell as well.
No matter who starts at Hampden, the Gers simply have to find a way to get back to winning ways and lift some more silverware. Another Old Firm defeat could reflect very badly on Clement as he looks to turn the tide in Glasgow.
In other Rangers news, the Gers are expected to “make their money back” on Sam Lammers after a new transfer update
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