Rangers winger Jamie Murphy has been speaking ahead of the crucial Europa League qualifying second leg against Maribor, and discussed the way in which his game as changed slightly with age.
Murphy made his loan deal with the Gers permanent this summer following a temporary stint from Brighton last term, and has made 25 apperances since pitching up at the club in January.
It has been a productive stint for the 28-year-old having notched 20 goals and assists over that time, and Murphy looks set to play a big role for Steven Gerrard this season, with a long campaign potentially in the offing.
Speaking ahead of the Maribor game, Murphy said as quoted by the Daily Record: “The tie is absolutely not over yet as they will come out and look to score early – we’d look to do the same if the boot was on the other foot.”
Murphy played an important role in the first leg; providing the assist for Lassana Coulibaly’s crucial third strike. He then set up Alfredo Morelos at the weekend for his goal against St. Mirren.
He was also heavily involved against FK Shkupi previously in Europe, and it turns out the midfielder’s productivity has surprised even the player himself.
He added: “I’m delighted with the stats. I didn’t know anything about them until someone sent me the details earlier this week and the first thing I noticed is it could have been even more.
“That’s just me trying to do my job by setting up and scoring goals and generally trying to be a threat for the team. I’m happy with that.
“These days I’m content to assist as much as score and that’s probably changed as I’ve got older. I was a striker when I was younger and so it was all about finding the net but after moving into midfield I take the same amount of satisfaction as setting them up for the likes of Alfredo who’s right on form at the moment.”
Rangers fans will be hoping to see Murphy maintain his great form if called upon by Gerrard tonight – there’s every chance he could start given his success in the competition so far.