Rangers are set to benefit from a transfer clause with loanee Jamie Murphy ineligible to play for Hibernian when the two sides meet at Easter Road on Wednesday night.
A host of Gers loanees have aided their parent club’s cause in the title race this season by playing key roles in Celtic slip-ups.
Murphy scored once and notched an assist in a 2-2 draw with Celtic in November, while Ross McCrorie played the full 90 minutes of a 3-3 draw between the Hoops and Aberdeen in October and his brother, Robby, produced several fine saves as Livingston drew 2-2 with Neil Lennon’s side at the Tony Macaroni Arena last week.
Rangers’ agents have done a fine job in those games and there’s no risk of them inflicting similar damage upon their parent club’s campaign, as clauses in their loan deals render them ineligible to face the Gers.
That has ensured Rangers’ opponents have been understrength for each of the club’s last three Premiership fixtures, with Aberdeen missing McCrorie, Motherwell without Jake Hastie and Ross County unable to call upon Stephen Kelly.
This time, it’s Jack Ross’ turn to be forced into a change, with Murphy unavailable for Wednesday night’s clash.
The 31-year-old has started Hibs’ last two matches since making a comeback from a hamstring injury as a substitute against Livingston at the beginning of the month but Ross will have to turn to a different option on the left wing this time around.
Rangers triumphed 1-0 when the two sides last met on Boxing Day at Ibrox, but they dropped two points on their last visit to Edinburgh and will be looking to avoid a similar slip-up this time around.
A talented Gers player could make his debut for another Premiership club on Wednesday night after sealing a loan exit from Ibrox on Monday.
