Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Glasgow Rangers manager Steven Gerrard provided an update on the fitness of Gers' midfielder, Ryan Jack, ahead of the club's Europa League fixture on Thursday evening.

So far this season, Jack has impressed over his 19 Scottish Premiership fixtures for Rangers, scoring two goals, providing one assist and averaging a WhoScored match rating of 7.03.

However, after missing the Gers' last two league fixtures due to a calf problem, the £2.7 million-rated midfielder remained a doubt for the club's Europa League clash with SK Slavia Prague on Thursday, and, speaking in his pre-match press conference, Gerrard confirmed the fixture will come a little too soon for the Scotland international.

He said: "Jack could be ready but I have decided to hold back and he will be available for the second-leg, I don't want to push him too quick."

Transfer Tavern Take

Jack's absence is likely to come as a rather large blow for Gerrard ahead of the Round of 16 clash, as the 40-year-old has played the midfielder in every fixture in which he has been available for selection so far this season.

However, the Gers manager did state his belief that Jack will be back for the second leg of the tie, meaning that there is at least some positive news regarding the return of the 29-year-old.

In other news: some Rangers fans slammed this politician's comments - find out more here!