Rangers loanee Greg Docherty says he was left ‘hurting’ on Tuesday night after an Edinburgh derby defeat to Hibernian at Easter Road, as quoted by Not The Old Firm.
The 23-year-old had enjoyed an outstanding first few weeks with the Hibees following his deadline day move.
He racked up a remarkable three goals and five assists in his first six appearances, earning rave reviews from his adopted club’s fans.
However, he has tasted defeat for the first time with his honeymoon period now over, after Hearts ran out convincing 3-1 winner in Leith.
“We didn’t play our strengths which is frustrating,” he said, as quoted by Not The Old Firm. “I’m just extremely disappointed for our supporters, Saturday now becomes huge for us. It’s really hurting and it’s three points dropped.”
“It’s a shame because we played really well on Friday night. Hearts are fighting for everything but derbies are won on small margins. They struck when they were on top, it was a stuffy game.
“One thing is for sure is that we are all hurting and we will bounce back, that’s for sure. We will look in the mirror but there’s so much to play for this season. It’s a derby defeat, it’s not nice, it’s sickening. You’re gutted for the supporters.”
Verdict
It’s a setback for Docherty after things had begun so well for the loanee at Hibs, but he has to move past this first hurdle.
His Ibrox career looked done and dusted when he left on loan in January, having failed to make a matchday squad since August.
However, with many players’ Ibrox futures under the microscope following the shocking downturn in form since the winter break, he surely has a genuine chance to come back to the club in a stronger position than he left in.
If he keeps his head down over the final months of the season and shows himself capable of consistently excelling at Premiership level, he’s bound to give himself a chance of playing a part for Rangers over the 2020/21 campaign.
Given that he’s contracted until the summer of 2022, there’s no immediate pressure on his future with the club.
