By Football Insider speaking to Jackie McNamara

1st Feb, 2020 | 1:34pm

'Big blow' - Exclusive: McNamara touts 'Disruption' at Ibrox after official Rangers update

Jackie McNamara says that Ryan Jack’s absence for Rangers has had a noticeable impact on their quality in the middle of the park.

The former Celtic and Scotland defender, speaking exclusively to Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge, says that the central midfielder was a big miss for Steven Gerrard after going off in the club’s defeat to Hearts last weekend.

Gerrard confirmed at his pre-match press conference on Friday that Jack was on his way to returning from his injury layoff but that he would miss Saturday’s showdown with Aberdeen.

McNamara says that the 27-year-old’s layoff has disrupted the Light Blues’ plans in the centre of the pitch and that Gerrard will be wanting him back in the side as soon as possible.

McNamara told Football Insider: “It has been a big blow, I thought it was noticeable when he went off (v Hearts), the disruption in the midfield. I thought Hearts dominated them.

“You saw Gerrard’s comments after the game, he was very angry and didn’t recognise his team. He was quite honest and fair in his assessment of it.” 

Jack has been a mainstay for Gerrard this season, playing an impressive 33 times across all competitions already.

He has established himself as one of the most important members of the squad at Ibrox since his move from Aberdeen, with the defeat to Hearts his 100th appearance for the Glasgow giants.

In other Rangers news, it can be REVEALED that the club tabled two offers for £5m playmaker.