Rangers winger Jamie Murphy says Greg Docherty played a key part in his decision to join Hibernian on loan in a deal that will become permanent in the summer, as quoted by Edinburgh Live.
The 31-year-old joined the Gers from Brighton in 2018 following a successful initial loan spell and scored the first goal of the Steven Gerrard era in a Europa League qualifier against FK Shkupi.
However, a serious knee injury sustained just a few weeks later, saw him miss the rest of the season and he struggled to force his way back in after returning to full fitness.
The Scotland international enjoyed a short stint in England at Burton Albion prior to the global health crisis and after failing to get a chance upon his return to Ibrox, opted to head to Easter Road on the advice of a former teammate.
“I spoke to Greg Doherty about the move and I spoke to both the McGinns who are here,” said Murphy, as quoted by Edinburgh Live. “They gave me a good idea of what it’s like here and what Hibs are trying to achieve.”
“Greg could not speak highly enough about the place and I still speak to him on a regular basis. He obviously helped me make the decision.”
Docherty helped Jamie Murphy decide to join Hibernian from Rangers – Verdict
It may be a little out of the ordinary to hear about one Rangers player convincing another to join a rival Premiership club.
Yet, Docherty and Murphy were in similar situations at Ibrox. It was clear that neither player was in the manager’s plans and both needed to secure an exit if they were to get back to playing first-team football.
Docherty ended up with Hull City, but he was well placed to advise Murphy on life at Easter Road following his own loan stint there last season.
The bluenose scored three goals and registered five assists in eight appearances for the Edinburgh club prior to the shutdown of the game amid the global health crisis, but turned down their attempts to bring him in on a permanent deal in favour of a move to the EFL.
Docherty could make his league debut for his new club on Saturday afternoon with Hull travelling to Gillingham, while Murphy will be hoping to feature in Paisley when Hibernian take on St Mirren.
