Rangers boss Michael Beale insists he’s keen to keep hold of Ryan Jack.
The Scotland international revealed at the weekend he’s yet to start negotiations with Ibrox chiefs on a new deal despite being out of contract this summer. But Beale has already put his faith in the midfielder after naming Jack in his starting line-up for his first match in charge of the Light Blues. He was rewarded when the former Aberdeen ace bagged a second-half equaliser as Gers twice fought from two goals down to give Beale a debut win.
Now the former QPR boss says he has big plans for Jack going forward. Speaking ahead of Tuesday night's trip to Pittodrie, Beale said: “In playing Ryan in the first game and him scoring against Hibs, he is doing everything he can. But obviously I showed what I think of Ryan by selecting him in my first game.
“In the last few months, for different reasons, Ryan has not always been available so at the moment he is just focusing on enjoying his football and being available. He was asked a question and he answered it honestly and I will as well. At this moment in time Ryan Jack is in the best eleven players at Rangers. Why wouldn’t you want to keep Ryan Jack?”
Rangers will have to do without Croatia star Borna Barisic for both tonight’s clash at Aberdeen and Friday’s Highland jaunt to face Ross County. His compatriot Antonio Colak also misses out on the Pittodrie clash with the clan injury that forced him to miss last week’s win over Hibs, while Steven Davis has been sent for a scan on a training ground knock.
Connor Goldson and Ben Davies are in line for a return against the Dons while Beale is awaiting more good news on the injury front as Ianis Hagi steps up his comeback attempts. He said: “Ianis will play a big role when he’s fit. He’s a player I have a lot of belief in.
"I’d say (we can expect him back) mid to late January. He’s in light training, unopposed doing a lot of work in isolation building his fitness. After a year out there’s a lot of muscle loss that he has to work on before returning.
“If we can get him back towards the back end of January, start of February I’ll be delighted because he’ll be available for the last 15 to 18 games of the season.”
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