STEVEN GERRARD has ruled Ryan Jack out of the Boxing Day clash with Hibernian as he continues his recovery from a knee injury.

Jack hasn't featured for Rangers since the win over Aberdeen at Ibrox last month and was expected to be fit to face Hibs this weekend after sitting out the win away to St Johnstone in midweek.

The 28-year-old has become one of Gerrard's most trusted and consistent performers over the last two seasons and has been noticeable by his absence in recent weeks.

But he will not be available for the visit of Jack Ross' side as Rangers continue to carefully monitor his progress after he stepped up his recovery schedule at the start of the week.

"Unfortunately not, no," Gerrard said when asked if Jack will be available for the Hibernian game. "It has taken a little bit longer than we thought so that is just not clear at the moment. I don’t really want to rush that so he won’t be available for the next one."

The news that Jack will not be fit to face Hibs is undoubtedly a blow for boss Gerrard as Rangers look to maintain their momentum in the title race ahead of the matches with St Mirren and Celtic that will round off the year.

There was a more positive development for Rangers in Perth, though, as defender Leon Balogun returned to the squad following the head knock that he sustained in the Betfred Cup defeat to the Buddies last week.

Balogun missed the win at home to Motherwell on Saturday but is now available once again after taking a place on the bench at McDiarmid Park as Connor Goldson and Filip Helander helped Rangers end their run of three games without a clean sheet.

Gerrard said: "Leon is fine. He could have come on on Wednesday night and he has done all the protocols in terms of getting a bang on your head. He is all clear to go."