Miller back in from the wilderness

GRAEME MURTY last night brought Kenny Miller back in from the cold — and told any Rangers players not facing Hearts today that they are welcome to show their support for the side at Murrayfield. Excluded from four squads after the home defeat to Celtic on September 23, the veteran striker’s predicament came to symbolise the dying embers of Pedro Caixinha’s failing regime. Club skipper Lee Wallace, who is currently injured, was also told to stay away

from Wednesday’s match with Kilmarnock, thus denying him the chance to show moral support to his team-mates in what proved to be the Portuguese’s last match in charge. Rangers will also be without the injured Fabio Cardoso and Graham Dorrans plus the suspended Bruno Alves, but Ryan Jack is available after the club appealed the red card he received in midweek against Kilmarnock. Murty, who has been asked to reprise the caretaker manager role he filled for six games prior to Caixinha’s arrival in March, is adamant the backing of anyone who won’t be involved will be fully appreciated. ‘It’s important that the players feel together,’ said Murty. ‘When we have the opportunity to address that particular issue, the players will be welcome and will be included. ‘If they know anything from Friday’s training session, it’s that I want their input. ‘They have to have a voice, within the training session, the dressing room, the match preparation, they have to have a voice because it is about them. ‘I will reiterate it until people are bored with me. It’s about the players, not about me.’ Confirming Miller is part of his plans as his side try to climb from fourth place in the table, Murty added: ‘Kenny is in the squad and available for selection.’ Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes currently heads the Ibrox board’s shortlist to replace Caixinha, with Tommy Wright and Alex McLeish also under consideration. Murty won three and drew one of his six games in temporary charge earlier this year with a 1-1 draw at Celtic Park still recalled favourably by the Rangers fans. Pressed on whether he would put his name forward for consideration for the permanent post this time around, he stated: ‘When I catch a breath, I’ll let you know. At the moment, it’s been too much. ‘I’m just looking to make sure this bit is done. If I look too far into the future I’ll trip over. ‘I need to make sure I get tomorrow over with, then get the week planned so the players can get on. I’m not thinking about myself at the minute. ‘The best scenario for me is to do really well. To win Saturday’s game, to win the next one, for the club. ‘If that means I learn more and I become better, then great.’ Unsure of the timescale the Ibrox board are working towards as they seek to pin down Caixinha’s successor, Murty is adamant his priority is giving the squad some much-needed reassurance. ‘At the moment, I am just making sure that what I am bringing to the table is not confusing for the players. ‘My personal feelings have to be subservient to the club’s needs to go and put on a performance.’