Murty: 'Love/hate' relationship is getting the best out of in-form Rangers star
Rangers boss Graeme Murty joked he has a “love/hate” relationship with in-form star Josh Windass as he revealed he wants the 24-year-old to go to the “next level” with the Gers.
Windass grabbed a double in the 6-1 win over League One Ayr United to take his tally to five goals in two Scottish Cup games this season and help the Gers into the quarter-finals.
The Ibrox side dominated against Ayr after falling behind to an early strike before blitzing the Honest Men with five second-half goals.
Murty revealed he believes in the player Windass “is going to become” and admitted he was working “very, very hard” to keep improving.
“It’s a little bit of a ‘love/hate’ one I think.” Murty joked during Sky Sports’ coverage (11/02, 14:15) of the Gers win when asked what it was about his relationship with the attacker is helping Windass’ keep scoring.
“He’s a complex guy and I think sometimes you just need to put an arm around him and give him some belief.”
“We believe in his ability and we belief in the guy he is going to become – not the guy he is just now as he has things he needs to work on – but he is working very, very hard.
“People don’t see that and forget he’s just a young man but he needs belief he is going to go to the next level and we want to be the guys to help him do that.”
The Gers will face Championship side Falkirk in the last-eight as they look to lift their first piece of major silverware since the 2011 Scottish Premiership success.
Jason Cummings, Jamie Murphy and Alfredo Morelos all joined Windass on the scoresheet against United with Morelos grabbing a goal in either half in the comprehensive win.
Windass has come in for criticism from some – including Murty – for his recent performances although the attacker has now taken his recent goalscoring run to six goals in his last four games.
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