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Dream comes true for Jack and he’s hoping for clean sweep next season

By Gary Keown AT HAMPDEN

RYAN JACK last night branded his matchwinning appearance as a Scottish Cup supersub as a dream come true — and dared to fantasise about a clean sweep of trophy successes next term.

The Scotland midfielder came on for Steven Davis with only 10 minutes left of the regulation 90 against Hearts and thumped home a stunning opener early in extra-time before former Aberdeen team-mate Scott Wright wrapped up the win.

Jack was thrilled with the way his side bounced back from the huge disappointment of losing the Europa League final to Eintracht Frankfurt in midweek and, although the Premiership title disappeared over the horizon to arch-rivals Celtic, he is sure Rangers can return even stronger next term.

‘From day one, we have put in the work to meet the demands of this club,’ said Jack. ‘We had a massive disappointment on Wednesday night, so to turn it around was incredible.

‘It was a bit flat to start with but that was expected. We ground our way into the game and what a way to finish with myself and Scott getting the goals.

‘I couldn’t have dreamt it any better than this — to come on and get us ahead in the game. I’m so proud of the boys and all the backroom staff. It is for these fans to go and enjoy now.

‘We always have to aim higher. In the off-season, we can refresh and go again. Hopefully, we can keep going and come together in every competition next year.’

Fellow midfielder John Lundstram was delighted to secure the first honour of his Rangers career at the end of his debut season and admits the success was made all the more special as a result of the heartbreak suffered in losing on penalties to Eintracht in Seville.

‘After Wednesday night, this means everything,’ said Lundstram. ‘I think everyone was a little bit tired today but to get the result we are all so happy.

‘I think we can all be really proud of our efforts. Hopefully, this can help us go on and win more trophies going forward.

‘It was tough trying to pick ourselves up after Wednesday. I’m not going to lie, I was so gutted then and to get this is such a relief. I’m so happy to bring one home — the first one for me at the club.’ Wright had already lost out in finals with Aberdeen and felt the nature of the victory, secured at the end of a gruelling 65-game campaign, answered any questions which may exist about the spirit in the Rangers camp.

‘It means so much and it is a dream to score in the final,’ said Wright. ‘I have been here before with Aberdeen and fallen short. I’m over the moon to score but, more importantly, for us to win.

‘You can see the togetherness as a team and the spirit we carry. You can see how strong every player’s character is here.’

Scottish Cup Final

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2022-05-22T07:00:00.0000000Z

2022-05-22T07:00:00.0000000Z

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