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Ryan Jack has lauded Rangers teammate Steven Davis, and suggested that Scott Arfield has been the best player in the Gers’ squad in the last few games, .
The Light Blues’ midfield has been a key part of Steven Gerrard’s side’s success this season. Jack, in particular, has been inspired since the Englishman arrived at Ibrox last summer.
But Davis has also been a revelation since re-signing on a permanent basis. The Northern Irishman has been missed in recent weeks due to injury.
Gerrard confirmed ahead of the Boxing Day clash with Kilmarnock that Davis is back in training. And Jack outlined just how big a boost it is for the side to have the 34-year-old closing in on a return.
. “His form’s been excellent. He’s been playing very well and it’s great to play alongside him. That’s why the staff build the squad because as soon as we get an injury or we get a suspension, somebody’s going to need to come in and step into that role.”
One player who has seemingly stepped up in Davis’s absence has been Arfield. The Canada international has come in for criticism at times this season. But Jack suggested that he has been extremely impressed with his teammate’s form more recently.
“Scotty’s been excellent. He’s been great about the place and I’m sure that he’s just striving to get better every game. I think the last few games he’s probably been our best player.”
It will be interesting to see whether Davis features for Rangers against Celtic in their final game before the break. It appeared to be a real blow for the Gers to not have the former Southampton man available for the Scottish League Cup final earlier this month.
Of course, with no games beyond that for a few weeks, Gerrard may be tempted to avoid taking a gamble. Rangers’s midfield has been impressive in recent weeks. And the last thing he will want is for Davis to sustain a more serious problem by being rushed back.
It could be a tough decision for the Rangers boss. But, as Jack notes, Arfield’s form is certainly taking some of the pressure off.