Since being appointed as the Rangers boss, Steven Gerrard did incredibly well in reconstructing the famous Glasgow giants with multiple new signings. They are keen on restoring their lost pride by conquering the coveted title, but first, the future of a few players need to be sorted out prior to the upcoming term.
Jamie Murphy was one of Gerrard’s early signings following a brief yet impressive loan stint at Ibrox the season before. But a severe knee injury against Kilmarnock ruled him out for the majority of the 2018-19 season. The summer arrival of Ryan Kent (tied down permanently from Liverpool after an exquisite loan spell), Jordan Jones, Brandon Barker, Greg Stewart and Sheyi Ojo sent the 30-year-old down in the pecking order before he could even regain his full fitness at the inception of the current season.
How He Rediscovered His Lost Status
Although he vowed to fight for his place, minutes were hard to come by which saw the Scotsman moving to Burton Albion during the winter window. The Brewers, struggling midtable in the EFL League One, handed him a regular role immediately down the left-hand flank.
Meanwhile, Murphy depicted his mastery as a centre-forward too as he went on to score seven times in 10 appearances before the suspension of the game in the wake of the pandemic. He laid on a couple of assists as well, both featuring as a ‘number 9’ and this change of role might help him resurrect his Rangers career defying the odds (stats via Transfermarket).
“There is still that bit in you that wants to play more games for Rangers and to score more goals at Ibrox.
So if I was to come back and win a trophy with the club, that would be the icing on the cake for my career. I’m sure I’ll go back and speak to the manager in the summer and see what the situation is for me.”
Revealed the former Brighton & Hove Albion attacker a few weeks ago while speaking to The Athletic. His loyalty towards Rangers is driving him to deliver week in, week out and stake a claim in the manager’s plan like it used to be a couple of years ago.
Why Rangers Should Keep Hold Of Him
The Bears might undergo a crisis high up the pitch if they fail to keep hold of in-demand Alfredo Morelos. Jermain Defoe, in his late thirties, is nearing the twilight of a glittering career and Florian Kamberi, on loan from Hibernian, remains uncertain of his future due to limited appearances since completing a deadline day switch this winter. The void will be massive and Gerrard, therefore, must inject quality as well as depth while reforming his frontline.
The versatility and scoring traits of Murphy must be explored for at least one more season as a reward to his hard work, commitment and dedication. His transformation as a centre-forward would encourage the gaffer to consider him as a squad option and cover as well as challenge the others for a starting role while spearheading the attacking third.
