It’s been one hell of a long walk back from injury for Rangers winger Jamie Murphy.
Over the last year, the 29-year-old has had to battle back from an excruciating knee injury picked up on Kilmarnock’s plastic pitch.
It’s been an impressive road back culminating in an Ibrox friendly return against Marseille. But can he break back into an incredibly competitive squad at Ibrox?
To do so, the winger faces competition from the likes of Jordan Jones, Daniel Candeias, Jake Hastie, Greg Stewart, Sheyi Ojo, and even Scott Arfield if he’s played in an advanced role.
Glenn Middleton and Eros Grezda are also propping up the squad, with the former likely to be sent on loan and the latter likely to exit the club.
That’s potentially nine players fighting over two places.
Murphy must focus on fitness before breaking into first-team
The first thing for Murphy here is getting his match fitness up to speed. Over the next few weeks, you expect to see Jamie get more minutes under his belt as he looks to return to full fitness.
The former Brighton man can be an asset for Rangers but proving his fitness at match level is paramount to competing for a space in the side.
It’s something the player is clearly determined to do.
After he proves his fitness, then Murphy must prove himself as a player.
Against Marseille, he was short of breath at times but showed flashes of what he offers. Murphy is a direct player, a strong runner and an intelligent footballer.
There is no time for sentiment at Rangers and you get the impression, that whilst he’ll get a chance, Murphy will be subject to the same ruthlessness the rest of the squad is.
There’s already been talk of English sides monitoring his situation at Ibrox [Scottish Sun].
Will Jamie Murphy prove he can make it at Rangers this season?
It’ll be tough, but there won’t be a single Rangers fan in Ibrox who doesn’t hope so.
