Graham Dorrans reckons Ryan Jack has returned a better player from his injury nightmare.
The ex-Ibrox midfielder says his pal’s triumphant comeback holds the key to Rangers’ title hopes.
So Dorrans was thrilled to see Jack boss Borussia Dortmund, on only his second start since last February, in a stunning 4-2 first leg victory.
A catalogue of calf problems kept the 29-year-old sidelined but he’s burst back to top form.
Jack, who turns 30 next Sunday, has his best days ahead of him according to Dorrans.
And the ex-West Brom and Norwich ace is sure they’ll be spent trying to win silverware at Rangers - even if there’s interest from England.
Dorrans said: “ Steven Gerrard was great for Jacko. Someone of his stature who played that position giving him those accolades did his confidence the world of good.
“Hopefully he continues to push on under the new manager and get even better.
“Because the sky’s the limit for him now - as long as he stays fit. For me, he’s definitely a player who could play in the top league in England.
“But, listen, he’s at an unbelievable club so, knowing Jacko, I’m not so sure he’d even want to think about going anywhere else.
“He’s as big a Rangers fan as anyone in there. He’s going to give 110 per cent every time he goes out there.
“He’ll want to stay, win many league titles, go on long European runs like they’re doing. He’s still got a lot to do there.”
Dorrans, whose two-year spell at Gers was hampered by ankle and knee injuries, says Jack has been through the mill in the past year.
Several comeback attempts were shelved and he’d made five substitute appearances since November before a starring start in the 5-0 romp over Hearts.
“It’s been immensely difficult for Jacko,” said Dorrans. “I still speak to him quite a bit and know he’s been disappointed, a bit low through it all.
“That’s part and parcel of football, injuries happen. But it’s never nice. And I know how difficult it is to be out long-term.
“I know the emotions, the feelings he’s gone through. Because, being out for so long, I know you think: Can I get back to that level?
“He’s obviously had a really tough time but he’s mentally strong. I’d a couple of chats with him, said to keep going and work away.
“But it’s never easy, no matter who you speak to, when you’re sat in the gym looking out the window watching the boys train.
“One thing I’ve noticed, particularly on Thursday, was the time he’s spent in the gym.
“He’s bulked up, he looks bigger on top. I think that’s helped him. I’m absolutely delighted to see him come back in the manner he has.
“He’s put in the work and looks every bit as good, if not better - and stronger.”
Dorrans and Jack joined Gers when Pedro Caixinha was boss in the summer of 2017. But Jack was sent off FOUR times in his first 21 games for the club in a harrowing first six months with his boyhood club.
He’s since won a title for a team of Invincibles and will be pivotal to Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s bid to defend that crown.
Dorrans added: “I KNOW Jacko can be the difference-maker from now until the end of the season.
“He’s been a huge miss. He’s first name on that team sheet now. He’s got so much quality, he’s so comfortable on the ball, can get about the pitch, takes it anywhere, links defence to attack.
“Thursday was a 10 out of 10 performance - against a world class team with world class players.
“You could really see, on that stage, what Jacko brings to this Rangers team.’’
