Rangers might have returned to the top tier of Scottish football but are still way behind their great rivals Celtic who have increased the gap during the Gers’ darkest years in football history. But they are now back contesting for the lost throne and keen on getting closer to the Hoops who are on their way to clinching seventh consecutive Premiership title. The Light Blues’ season had a disastrous inception under former manager Pedro Caixinha as most of his summer signings failed miserably. His failure led to a dismissal and promoted Graeme Murty as the next Gers boss from his caretaker role.
Murty made some shrewd transfer business in winter as his loan signings are helping the Glasgow giants find a rhythm. Sean Goss, Russell Martin, Jason Cummings and Jamie Murphy – all are featuring in the first-team and the boss is considering to make these deals permanent at the earliest. The talks regarding Jamie Murphy is progressing smoothly and Brighton & Hove Albion, his current suitors, have reportedly made a verbal agreement about his permanent switch.
Murphy, 28, played a crucial role in the Seagulls’ Premier League promotion last term but found it hard to have enough minutes in the top tier. He made only four appearances ( 3 of them came as a substitute) and new signings in wide roles threw him down the pecking order at AmEx. The former Scottish international had a glorious spell at Scottish Premier League with Motherwell before plying his trade for Sheffield United but is now keen on ensuring his stay in the homeland.
“Yes, absolutely. I’m already a Rangers player in my mind. I’m loving it here. At Sheffield United, I played every week and loved it. In my first season with Brighton, I played most weeks but that didn’t happen this season and it gets frustrating. “
Stated the player when asked about a permanent move at Ibrox despite Premier League attractions.
Despite initial stumbles, Murphy has been a massive influence in Rangers’ attack who has netted twice and assisted 4 goals in 9 Premiership appearances. He has also scored one and assisted twice in 2 Cup outings thus providing a great reliability down the left-hand flank previously occupied by Josh Windass. The young Englishman is now operating as the ‘number 10’ and has suited well in his new central role.
Although Murphy had a disappointing game against Celtic in the Old Firm derby, he was supposed to miss the clash with injury but opted to ignore the pain and featured from the start. His passion, dedication, and commitment have won millions of heart and the player, too, deserves a permanent move to be a part of Rangers resurgence.
He, however, is surplus to requirements at Brighton as well and a move to a lower League side will take him back to square one. Playing for Rangers will let him gain the success of the highest order in a league that has lost its relevance but not the pride.
