Rangers midfielder Ryan Jack has said he's "itching" to finally get Europa League group stage action under his belt after a series of near misses.

The Scotland cap helped Aberdeen reach the third qualifying round three times in a row between 2014 and 2016, only for the Dons to crash out each time.

A switch to the Light Blues paid no dividends when it came to European football last season, with Pedro Caixinha's Rangers falling at the first hurdle to Progres Niederkorn.

Rangers have reached the group stage this time out under Steven Gerrard's watch but Jack has been forced to watch the first two matches from the sidelines due to injury.

Available for selection for Spartak's visit on Thursday, the 26-year-old said: "When I was joining Rangers, the hope of playing at this level of European football was a big factor.

"I felt that we were building a squad of players that could hopefully make the group stages. I had missed out on that opportunity two or three times in the past.

"Thankfully, this season, the manager has built a really strong squad and a really good group of players.

"We have managed to make the group stage, which is great. But I have not played in either of the first two games so I am itching to be involved. I can't wait for tomorrow night to come."

A calf strain picked up on Scotland duty meant Jack missed Rangers' draw in Villareal and 3-1 win over Rapid Vienna last time out.

"When you watch a match like the one against Rapid Vienna here, then of course you want to be out there and involved," he added.

"You could see from the way the team played - right from the kick-off - that we were set up to go out and attack.

"The aim was to really take the game to Rapid and be positive. The fans really bought into the way we played and I thought the boys were excellent that night.

"Tomorrow, it's more about a similar performance. I'm sure if we can put in the commitment - and show that desire - then the fans will come with us again.

"We are all looking forward to trying to get another positive result."