Rangers striker Jane Ross believes the heightened attention around ACL injuries in women’s football can only help the game moving forward.
The Scotland international has just recovered from a 17-month layoff following her own ACL struggles, but now she is back and firing for a high-flying Rangers in the SWPL.
Ross bagged two goals at the weekend as the Govan outfit defeated Inverness in the Scottish Cup and that continued her fine return to action after she was sidelined back in 2022.
“Obviously, I’m very happy to be back,” she explained. “It was a very long rehab unfortunately but I’m proud that I managed to get back on the pitch again.
“Looking forward to contributing to the second half of the season. No athlete wants to be injured, regardless of the timeline.
“I was greatly supported throughout by my club, team-mates, family and friends. I managed to get through it and here I am.
“I found watching game tough. I wasn’t quite kicking the seats in front but I was kicking every ball. I was supporting my team-mates and it’s great to be back now.
“It’s the longest I’ve been out, my first major injury. Injuries are part and parcel so I’m quite fortunate to get to this stage without that and I hope I never have to experience it again.
“But I think ACL at the moment are quite common in women’s football and a lot of colleagues shave been through this. I have had a lot of support, and communication.”
Asked about recent findings and studies around ACL injuries, Ross continued: “Where science and research is now it’s helped in terms of surgery and recovery.
“It’s become a talking point, but I think it has always been an issue. With the greater exposure to the women’s game, we are hearing a lot more about it.
“Also there have probably been a lot of high-profile platters down south battling this injury so that helps increase awareness.
“It’s something they are looking to do more research on to minimise the effects. I don’t have the answers, I don’t think anyone does.
“You want to reduce it but they are trying to do the research. With the growth of the game we are hearing more and hopefully that will help with the research to try and prevent it.”
Ross leaned on her family and friends during her time out of the game and her teammates, who have also suffered similar injuries, were also crucial in helping through the rehab.
She reflected: “I have spoken to Caroline Weir over the last few months. But I have had that support from other players too. But every knee is different every knee injury will not go exactly the same.
“It’s good for players to speak to each other.”
Now that Ross is back she is targeting even more goals for Rangers and a prolonged period in the team, while of course avoiding any injuries.
“I want to contribute to the team, however that looks like,” said the Ibrox forward. “I’m enjoying being back. It’s been a positive start to the season.
“Jo Potter the manager has come in and made changes. The team have been performing well and hopefully we continue to kick on.
“Personally I have really enjoyed working with her. I have been in for a couple of months and I feel I’m growing and learning from her.”
On speculation linking Potter with higher profile jobs south of the border, Ross added: “As far as I am aware she is Rangers coach. Throughout your career your coaches will changes.
“You have to adapt to different tactics but you also have to thrive on that. It’s a fresh set of eyes but I’m enjoying it every day.”
Jane was speaking at a Scottish Gas Scottish Women's Cup media event. Scottish Gas is the proud partner of the Women's Scottish Cup.
