BLUES ARE BIG SHOTS
From Back Page Goss and Jamie Murphy impressing on their first starts and Jason Cummings lively from the bench.
Chairman Dave King, who has flown into Scotland from South Africa, has all but concluded a £650,000 deal for Hamilton midfielder Greg Docherty to add to the feelgood factor at Ibrox.
The Accies midfielder is expected to undergo a medical this afternoon with a view to signing tonight despite a late bid from Crystal Palace to try to hijack the deal.
Murty heaped praise on his players as they made it three wins out of three against Dons this season.
He said: “The players we have are pushing us to be better. That’s really exciting for me and should be exciting for Rangers fans.
“We’re at the start of what could be a very satisfying journey. It’s fantastic, the club pushes up the table. You saw glimpses of the team we’re hoping to be because our movement and passing was crisp and the new players gave us all a lift.
“We showed composure, intensity – and weren’t afraid to put our bodies on the line. As good as it was we will get even better.
“The victory shows again in the big games we have a top level that is a match for the best in this league.
“However, we have to be that good every day. Every team has to face the Rangers we showed tonight with will to win, character and ability.”
Morelos, top scorer in the Premiership this season with 11 goals, told Colombian TV he’s more than happy at Ibrox but dreaming of a move to England, Italy or Spain this summer.
Murty added: “Unless someone walks in with a big barrowload of cash he will be a Rangers player.
“However, I want players who have aspirations to be in a better place – hopefully we can get better at Rangers. The big prize for any player is the Premier League where you can safeguard your family’s future with one move.
“If we have someone good enough to go there it’s fantastic for us.
“Alfredo is a goalscorer. If he misses one you know he’ll never go missing. He could have had a hat-trick.”
Rangers have all but sealed a deal for Docherty, 21, who will add to options in the middle of the park.
Murty said: “It’s another bit of business for a young, hungry player desperate to enhance our group. When you saw the players gelling and improvements we’ve made it’s an exciting time.”
Murty also revealed he wants to keep David Bates and Danny Wilson, both out of contract in summer and attracting interest from England and America.
He said: “We’ve talked to David and his representatives. He’s a young man we want to retain. We’re also in talks with Danny about his contract. He has options but until those things are tied up they’ll remain in house.”
Dons keeper Lewis was taken to hospital after colliding with team-mate Anthony O’Connor in the incident that led to Tavernier’s spot-kick.
Gaffer Derek McInnes said: “It is a potential serious injury. We just have to be hopeful and let the experts do the job.”
Aberdeen have now shipped seven goals in three defeats to Rangers and McInnes added: “I’m not going to jump through hoops about that am I?
“Rangers asked more questions of us. They were the better team but their keeper did very well to keep a clean sheet.
“Rangers were the clear favourites for second spot at the start of the season. We fell short of what we’re capable of but if we reach the levels we can, which we do most weeks, we can still finish second.”