Boss: Bruno has been a total pro

GRAEME MURTY has praised Bruno Alves for being the ‘consummate professional’ as he dismissed suggestions the defender refused to be part of his Rangers plans last weekend.

It was reported earlier this week that Alves turned down a spot in the squad for the Premiership clash with Hamilton at Ibrox.

But the Portuguese missed the 2-0 defeat to Accies with a back injury as Ross McCrorie and Danny Wilson started for a third successive match under Murty’s watch.

And the interim Light Blues boss is unhappy Alves’ commitment to the cause has been called into question.

“Not very well,” he said when asked how Alves has taken it.

“I have told him that the club are denying everything.

“Bruno is not incensed, but his words were that in all of his career, he has never once refused to be any part that coach has given him.

“I said beforehand that he has been very respectful, very open and honest, the consummate professional, and I think the story does him a massive disservice.

“He had an impact injury from an aerial challenge when he landed on his back. He is not fit yet to join in and he wasn’t fit to join in.

“That story casts his character into doubt, which is completely wrong.

“More importantly, it gets Rangers fans, who want to see someone like Bruno Alves playing, confused with the messages that are coming

out of here.”