DERBY OPPORTUNITY KNOX FOR GRAEME

Murty can stake a claim for top job in derby, says Archie

ARCHIE KNOX reckons a victory over Celtic would be another significant boost for Graeme Murty’s chances of landing the Rangers job beyond the summer.

The 43-year-old was appointed as permanent boss in December after taking temporary charge of the Light Blues following the sacking of Pedro Caixinha in October.

But his situation will be assessed at the end of the campaign as the Ibrox board consider their options over who takes the reins next term.

Murty has led the Gers to within six points of Brendan Rodgers’ side at the top

of the Premiership standings, while their Old Firm rivals also stand between Rangers and a Scottish Cup final spot.

After earning two derby draws at Parkhead last year, Murty will be in the Ibrox dugout against Celtic for the first time on Sunday.

Gers fans have started to dream about a potential late bid for the top-flight title should Murty’s side claim all three points and further close the gap on their Glasgow rivals.

And nine-in-a-row legend Knox believes a win on home soil would give Murty further belief that he could take Rangers forward in the coming years.

He told Sport-Times: “It wouldn’t do him any harm, that is for sure. It certainly wouldn’t do him any harm.

“You just have to wait and see. One result doesn’t solve everything, there are other issues to deal with as far as Rangers are concerned and it is up to them to make up their mind regarding what they will do with the manager.

“It would be great to have a victory over Celtic, there is no question about that. That puts a wee bit of pressure on them and you never know what can happen, it is a strange old game.

“It is early days and I wouldn’t dismiss anything or rule anything out. You never know what the board have got up their sleeves and we will see how well Graeme does.

“What he does might be enough to swing it his way or they might go with someone with a bit more experience.

“They have already said that he has got the job until the end of the season and if he can do a good job until then then he will feel that he is the right man for the job.”