Graham Dorrans and Jamie Murphy have had a season to forget ths term, but they’ve been offered hope by Steven Gerrard.
The Rangers manager has had to make do without his injured pair all season. There was brief hope of a Dorrans renaissance back in September, but nothing ever came of it as injury struck again.
Murphy, meanwhile, has been out for nearly the entireity of the season with an ACL injury. That was picked up on Kilmarnock’s now infamous astroturf surface at Rugby Park.
Whilst Dorrans plans to return for the end of January or early February, Murphy won’t be back until late on this season. His injury was supposed to rule him out for the year. Instead, however, it appears he could come back earlier than first thought.
And Steven Gerrard has offered hope to both men, claiming that they’re two “key players” in his squad.
“Jamie Murphy is working really hard to make his body as strong as possible, I expect him to come back firing but he won’t be rushed.
“Graham Dorrans is progressing well also, we hopefully will have him back for the end of January/February.
“Dorrans and Murphy are two key players for us in the final third of the pitch and we are looking for them to help us in the final half of the season.”
Competition is heavy for both men
This has to be a massive shot in the arm for both players. Even though they’re out injured and nowhere near the first-team picture, Gerrard is clearly still willing to back his men.
Despite that, however, you have to wonder where the game-time is going to come from for either. Rangers have such a packed midfield, with Dorrans now way down the pecking order for a starting position. That’s even assuming Rangers don’t buy another in January.
For Murphy, he has Ryan Kent and Glenn Middleton to contend with down the left. Both have impressed Gerrard and the supporters this season, meaning a return for Murphy isn’t a guarantee.
Regardless, they’re going to be extremely useful players to have back fit for Gerrard. They’re experienced Premiership footballers, and can compete strongly at this level.
Getting consistent game-time under their belts is going to be a tricky task. Gerrard, however, is clearly ready to give them a shot when they return.
