By support

8th Mar, 2018 | 9:41pm

Rangers must gamble on 28-year-old fitness in vital Old Firm clash

COMMENT

Rangers winger Jamie Murphy is a doubt for the upcoming Old Firm derby after suffering a toe injury in the recent 4-1 win over St Johnstone.

But with the Daily Record reporting that the player is back in training ahead of Sunday’s game, Graeme Murty must take a gamble and start the 28-year-old in the match, as he is a potential match-winner.

With Celtic right-back Mikael Lustig suspended for the match, Murphy is likely to be up against either the inexperienced Anthony Ralston or the out of favour Cristian Gamboa, if the Hoops play four at the back.

Murphy has the ability to take advantage of that, and as the match is a must win for the Gers, he must play even if he is not 100 percent fit.

Murphy has begun his career at Ibrox well, scoring three goals and creating seven assists in nine appearances since joining the Gers in January from Brighton.

If Murphy is fit he will be making his Old Firm debut, but unlike some of Rangers’ other January signings he has the experience of playing in Scotland before, so the player won’t be phased by the occasion.

This is the Gers’ biggest league game since they returned to the Scottish Premiership, and if they want to keep their title dreams alive they need their strongest team available, which includes Murphy.

In other Rangers news, John Collins has been impressed with the Gers’ recent run of good form

Don’t miss out on breaking and exclusive Rangers and Celtic news by clicking here for our brilliant 24/7 updates on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.