RYAN JACK is hoping a Europa League triumph can more than make up for his horror injury spell on the sidelines which saw him miss taking part in Euro 2020 with Scotland.
The Rangers midfielder is expected to be back fit and available for Wednesday’s final against Eintracht Frankfurt in Seville after coming back from a minor knock.
And Jack, 30, is desperate to make up for his time out by claiming an incredible Europa League victory one year on from an operation to correct the nightmare hamstring injury which kept him out for nine months.
Asked if the European final makes up for missing a shot at competing in Euro 2020 for his country, Jack explained: "In a way I suppose. With the tough year of being out. I was just speaking about that today, it was close to a year ago this week that I had my op.
“I probably wouldn't have thought a year ago that I would be standing talking to you guys about playing in a European final.
“It's mad the way football works and sometimes if you work hard you get your rewards.
"I will be (fit). I took a knock last week but it's nothing major.
“With the two Cup finals coming, there's no point taking any risks this week.
“It's given me a chance to come back off my feet and focus on things off the pitch and I'll be ready for next week.”
Jack was also forced to sit through the backend of last season and watch his Rangers team-mates go on to claim the title from the stands. This season on a league front has been disappointing, but Jack insists Rangers will be back to compete for the title next term.
"The league's been a sore one, there's no denying it,” said Jack in an honest assessment.
“Having the European journey has maybe taken that blow away a bit.
“We have had a lot to focus on and it's been massive to get to a European final.
“It doesn't come around often for a Scottish team to get there.
“We are absolutely delighted to get there but at the start of the season our main objective was the league and we came up short in that sense but sometimes that happens in football and you just need to dust yourselves down.
“We'll come back next year and give the league a good shot again.”
In all the injury struggles in the past couple of seasons one constant for Jack has been the overwhelming support from his family. In Jack’s own words, it has been a rollercoaster for them as much as it has been for the player himself. However, a European winners medal could make it all worth it.
He added: "My family have been there for pretty much my full career, they have been through the highs, the lows, they go through everything with you, it's a rollercoaster.
“I am sure for them to see the journey that I've been on and to hopefully end with a European final and a winners medal would be great.
“They will be supporting me and I am sure they will be very proud.”
While the week ahead for Rangers – with the Europa League and Scottish Cup trophies up for grabs - is undoubtedly the main priority, Jack is also dreaming of World Cup qualification and banishing the thoughts of his missed opportunity at the Euros last summer.
Jack said: "You don't have time at the minute to sit and look ahead and process what's going on because it's just massive games every two minutes- semi-finals, finals - the European final, the Scottish Cup final then hopefully I've got the Scotland squad to look forward to and then there's two massive games straightaway in that.
“It's going to be a massive two months but it's what you want as a player.
“Getting to the Euros for me personally was massive to play a part in.
“It's disappointing not to go but that's football and sometimes what happens.
“Hopefully this time round, I can play another part in helping us get to a World Cup and hopefully I can make the World Cup if we get there.”
