Alan Hutton believes Rangers are a better team with a fit and firing Ryan Jack as he expressed his hopes that he pens an extended deal at Ibrox.
The Light Blues midfielder is one of a host of players heading out of contract in the summer with no new contracts yet on the table from boss Michael Beale. However, the Ibrox gaffer has publicly stated his desire to keep the Scotland international at the club beyond the summer after namechecking him alongside star man Ryan Kent.
The former Liverpool attacker is another who hasn't decided on his future either way with the likes of Alfredo Morelos, Steven Davis, Scott Arfield and veteran No1 Allan McGregor also in the final months at contracts in Govan.
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Hutton believes Jack is an important player for Rangers and hopes that his future can be sorted out quickly. He believes his former club play better with him in the side as he allows the likes of skipper James Tavernier to make those overlapping trademark runs by filling in the gaps and providing cover for the team when on the attack.
Hutton told Football Insider: “Fingers crossed he does not because I think he is important.
“He has not signed a new contract, he has not been offered one yet but it is still important that he stays fit and plays as many games as possible.
“Whatever happens in the future, whether he moves on or stays, he will want to play as many minutes as possible.
“I think he makes Rangers a better team when he is in there and fully fit. He allows the likes of [James] Tavernier to get forward, he fills in gaps and is really good at what he does.
“No player wants to turn down the opportunity to play for Scotland but I am sure he will be fine.“
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