Rangers are currently sitting on the top of the table in the Premiership even though they have had some key men out in the last few games. However, that has allowed Steven Gerrard to use Jamie Murphy in the recent tie against Hamilton as wide players like Brandon Barker, Ryan Kent and Jordan Jones were out with injuries.
It was great to see the Scottish winger back on the pitch after his horror start to Rangers career last year where he injured his cruciate knee ligament in August 2018 which saw him miss over a year of football. Former Rangers midfielder Kenny Black is backing Murphy to come good this season, and he believes that his comeback will be a significant boost for Gerrard.
Murphy’s former coach backs him to come good
Black had worked with Murphy when he was coaching with Motherwell. He recently said (The Scottish Sun), ”Murphy is another positive asset for the manager to call upon. He has so much to offer, and if he can find his best level again, then he will be like a new signing. Rangers have plenty wingers in their squad, but so many of them seem to be injured right now.”
“There is an opening there, and my money would be on Murph making the most of it. He will be itching to get involved and show what he is capable of after spending over a year out of the picture.”
Why might Murphy have to be patient?
Murphy was one of Gerrard’s significant signing from last year, but it was a shame that he had to miss more than a year of action. Black might be backing Murphy to come good, but we think that the chances are slim for him once Ryan Kent and Jordan Jones become available.
We are expecting them to be back in contention after the international break as they have been involved in light training. Murphy might have to be patient to get his chances, but Gerrard would be glad that he has another option which he can call upon.
The two time Scotland international though needs some game time under his belt to get back to his best and Gerrard will likely involve him with the reserve squad from time to time to keep him fit. It remains to be seen how motivated and determined Murphy is to get back his place in the starting eleven.
We think that once he gets his confidence back, he can have some role to play this season. However, we are not expecting him to play a stellar role as Kent will surely start regularly once he becomes fit.
