Murty insists all of this transfer talk shows Rangers are still a big deal
GRAEME MURTY believes the level of interest received during this transfer window has shown that Rangers remain a significant draw in European football. The Ibrox boss has signed QPR midfielder Sean Goss and Brighton forward Jamie Murphy on loan, with the latter set to become a permanent deal at the end of the season.
But Murty claims to have been taken aback by some of the calls from interested parties in recent weeks as he considers further adding to his squad.
‘We are working hard behind the scenes on a number of things,’ said Murty, whose side defeated Atletico Mineiro 1-0 in Thursday night’s opening Florida Cup match.
‘But the thing I wasn’t prepared for was just how many people recognise (Rangers). The guys that are immersed in the football club every day know how big it is to play here. But you forget the regard it is held in around England and around Europe as well because some of the people that are phoning up are high level.
‘It has been great for me to have a sounding board in Mark (Allen, director of football) to actually guide me in some regards and get me prepped for what has been a busy period.
‘I have to say, I wish I had never heard of a work phone because it is never off, even on this side of the Atlantic. It is a demanding time but I think you saw on Thursday that we have done some good business.
‘I am not sure that business is finished and, if the business can be as good or even better, then we will put ourselves in a good position and that is the idea — to strengthen the group and take us to a higher level.’
In terms of exits, Murty expects further approaches having sent Carlos Pena out on loan to be reunited with Pedro Caixinha at Cruz Azul. ‘I had a conversation with a director of football about one of our players, so people are interested in our squad,’ added the Rangers manager ahead of today’s final Florida Cup outing against Corinthians.
‘People are interested in coming to our squad, people are interested in taking from our squad and that is a good position for us to be in. Really, it is the position we should be in every transfer window.
‘We should be a real stellar name that people want to come to and people will be looking at those guys not fortunate to be getting game time because we know the level we want to be at.’
Late on Thursday evening, the Orlando City Stadium became the latest venue for Josh Windass to showcase the improvements he’s been making as a Rangers player.
His half-time introduction — on a night when new arrivals Goss and Murphy also received 45-minute outings — sent an electrical charge through Murty’s side in their first Florida Cup match. Involved in pretty much every positive move, it was Windass who produced a fine finish to seal the one-goal victory over their Brazilian opponents.
If the result of a winter break friendly is not particularly significant, the 24-year-old midfielder’s dynamic performance did further explain why he’s been the subject of interest during this transfer window.
Preston had a £500,000 bid rejected, while Sheffield United, Wigan and Hull have all been linked with trying to lure him away from Ibrox.
One obvious common factor unites these clubs. None of them operate in the English Premier League.
That elite level is, however, where Niko Kranjcar believes Windass can eventually end up if he maintains his current rate of progress at Rangers. The 33-year-old Croatian, who played for Spurs and Portsmouth in the English top flight, sees a player blossoming under Murty’s tutelage.
Windass has netted five times in competitive games since Murty replaced Pedro Caixinha in October. Often operating just behind the striker, he has relished the attacking freedom he has been given.
‘At the end of the day, it’s his decision and the club’s decision,’ said Kranjcar when asked about the attention Windass is attracting.
‘What I can say is he’s had a great six months. He has evolved and he’s getting better every single day.
‘The most important thing is the confidence. And with the talent he’s got, both physically and on the ball, he has a very bright future ahead of him.
‘I’m sure he will be good enough to play in the Premier League one day.’
As an attacking midfielder with 81 international caps and a wealth of club experience, Kranjcar is well placed to act as a mentor for the Englishman.
‘I would hope I have been but that’s something Josh needs to answer,’ he added. ‘I’m always here for everyone if they want to talk about football.
‘If you’re a footballer, the first thing you need to believe in is yourself and your ability. Then you must work hard.’
Self-belief is not a trait that seems to be lacking in Windass, one of the more extrovert personalities at Ibrox.
‘Can you see that?’ laughed Kranjcar. ‘Do you need me to answer that?
‘He has tremendous pace and power and he is still good on the ball. He makes great runs in behind and
obviously he has been scoring goals this season, which is really important for a modern-day midfielder.’
As for Kranjcar, he hadn’t started a match since September before being included against Motherwell and Celtic prior to the winter break.
The 33-year-old hopes for greater involvement in Murty’s side in the coming months, with his contract set to expire in the summer.
‘It’s up to me to work hard and, when I do get my chance, try to impose myself,’ he said. ‘It’s been frustrating for me but that’s football.
‘I haven’t thought about next season. After the long-term injury I had last season, every minute I spend on the pitch is a bonus for me and I don’t want to look so much ahead. I just want to give everything I can.
‘I’m happy to prove to the manager that I’m still good enough to be here. That’s going to be my main goal.’
Ross McCrorie and Ryan Jack will both undergo scans following the squad’s return to Scotland to determine the extent of injuries that have ruled them out of any action in the States.