Ryan Jack vows Rangers are ready for Champions League group stage redemption as Michael Beale levels up

Ibrox midfielder believes Michael Beale’s side are stronger than a year ago when they beat Dutch side PSV to reach the CL group stage

From the elation of Eindhoven to a chastening Champions League experience. Ryan Jack lived through it all at Rangers in Europe last season.

The dressing-room celebrations after beating PSV in Holland to qualify for the group stage was a major highlight of Gio van Bronckhorst’s time as gaffer. But when the Ibrox side were drawn alongside Euro heavyweights Liverpool, Napoli and Ajax – reality soon kicked in. Jack and Co suffered heavy defeats against a trio of top sides and they remained scarred for the rest of the campaign.

Van Bronckhorst lost his job and new gaffer Michael Beale is now starting to rebuild. Within weeks, Rangers will be back at that juncture again. If they can get through the nerve jangling Champions League qualifiers in August, they’ll rake in cash and get to dine at Europe’s top table again. And while some people might argue that it’s a level above what Scottish clubs are capable of – Jack still wants to be there.