Jamie Murphy’s return to contention may not be as far ahead as everyone believed when he first picked up his injury.
Murphy went down on Kilmarnock’s astroturf surface with an ACL injury back on August 19th. Initially, it had him ruled out until the end of the season, and preparations were underway to get him fit for the start of next term.
But the left-winger is refusing to rule out an earlier return. Murphy, who started life well under Steven Gerrard with eight appearances before his injury, is certainly looking forward to getting back on the pitch.
Speaking to Rangers TV, the Gers winger detailed when he hopes to be back.
“I’ve got a date in my head. The surgeons told me a date and he pretty much said the season, but we will see how it goes.
“I always find myself to be a quick healer so we will see how the next couple of months go.
“I feel that I can play in a number of positions so it is not a worry for me at the minute to think about getting back in the team. I’m just looking forward to getting back fit, playing games and playing football again.”
Getting back into the side won’t be easy
Regardless of when Murphy is fit, you have to wonder how he’s getting back into the side consistently.
Ryan Kent is absolutely destroying opposition full-backs down that left side. Mikael Lustig was the latest to fall victim to him, and the Liverpool loan-star is also considering a permanent move to Ibrox. He alone would be tough competition, but there’s several more looking for that spot.
Glenn Middleton has had a breakthrough campaign at Ibrox so far this season. Goals against the likes of Spartak Moscow in the Europa League have shot him to fame. His directness and ability to put quality crosses into the penalty area is a key trait for the club.
Outside of that, there’s Albanian internationalist Eros Grezda. He’s massively thought of back in his homeland, and with Rangers paying over £2million for him, they’ll be looking for a return on that investment.
Murphy remains such a pacey and talented winger in his own right. He has the advantage of knowing that the manager liked him before his injury. Therefore, if he gets himself up to a similar level, then he could very well start getting opportunities again.
For now, however, it’s vital he just focuses on his recovery and gets back in business before the end of the season.
