Rangers could replace Jack by unleashing £22k-p/w “cult hero”
Rangers may replace Jack by releasing a player who flourished under Clement.
Glasgow Rangers maintained their perfect record in 2024 by reaching the Scottish Cup quarter-finals with a 2-0 victory against Ayr United.
As the phrase goes, there is no rest for the wicked, and the Light Blues return to action against Ross County this evening at Ibrox.
With a win over the Staggies tonight, the Gers can tie Celtic at the top of the Premiership standings, providing the necessary motivation for the starting lineup.
Philippe Clement has transformed the club since taking over last October and has already won one trophy this term. 
Can he secure a sensational treble in the coming months? With the tie tonight being their fourth game in 11 days, the club will need to rotate their squad to continue their excellent run. Clement will likely make some changes to his team.
Rangers team news vs Ross County
Clement updated the media on squad members Leon Balogun and Ryan Jack ahead of their match against Ross County.
“Leon trained with a mask,” Clement explained after Balogun withdrew against Livingston due to a face injury.
“We still need to make some mask adjustments.” That is usually natural; I’ve had some experience with taking some knocks. So, we’ll see how he is tomorrow and whether or not he can join the squad.
“Ryan Jack will not be in the squad because he is still in a kind of individual programme to rebuild him.”
While Balogun may miss out, Jack will certainly be absent from the squad this evening.
Ryan Jack’s season in numbers
The midfielder is nearing the end of his contract at Ibrox, but his injury history may lead to his departure at the end of the season.
Jack, who was once a fixture in the starting XI, has been used as a rotation option in 2023/24, with only 21 appearances (12 starts).
This season, Jack ranks 11th in accurate passes per game (26.7), 24th in tackles per game (0.2), and 16th in key passes per game (0.6). Despite being given a chance in the starting XI, the 31-year-old has struggled to deliver.
Clement’s central midfield area appears to be stacked after signing Mohamed Diomande in the January transfer window, as well as having Nico Raskin, John Lundstram, and even Dujon Sterling at his disposal.
This could imply that Jack will not be offered a new deal, but he still has a significant role to play between now and the end of the season, especially with the club in title contention.
However, against County, the Belgian manager will have to replace Jack, which might mean Lundstram returns to the starting lineup after being rested against Ayr the previous Saturday.
John Lundstram will play against Ross County
Since Clement arrived in Glasgow, Lundstram has been one of the first names on the squad roster, and his performances have been outstanding.
Since then, the former Sheffield United midfielder has only missed one match, a 2-0 win against Motherwell on Christmas Eve due to injury, and has returned to his former form under the Belgian manager.
The Englishman has been a rock in the heart of the midfield, and his efforts have helped the Ibrox club go on an incredible run under the former Club Brugge manager, who has only lost once since taking over.
A respite against Ayr would have done him the world of good, and he will return to the starting lineup this evening when County visit Ibrox.
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