Murphy magic can halt Treble, insists McCall

AFTER nine derbies without a win, the hunt for an Old Firm hero within the Rangers ranks now winds its way towards Hampden. Inspiration will be required if Graeme Murty’s side are to halt Celtic’s bid for back-to-back Trebles. And, in the eyes of former Ibrox manager Stuart McCall, there is one player more than capable of providing it.

McCall was in charge of Motherwell in 2011 when Jamie Murphy netted a fine solo goal in a Scottish Cup semi-final success against St Johnstone. Seven years on, he believes the winger can now inject a spark of magic into Rangers’ hopes of salvaging their season.

Murphy has settled quickly after a January loan move from Brighton that is scheduled to become permanent in the summer. Six goals, including one in each of his last two games, have made a positive impact upon the club he grew up supporting.

To McCall, it is very much a case of the right man in the right place at the right time. He feels the 28-year-old has all the attributes needed to cause Celtic real concern come Sunday afternoon.

‘You saw the goal he scored against Motherwell the other week,’ said McCall. ‘The number of times I saw him do that at Fir Park — come inside, come inside, and then cut one back.

‘I have said before that I thought it was a terrific signing when he joined Rangers in January. He is at the right age now. He was linked with Rangers when I was at Motherwell but I don’t think he was ready then. He is now.

‘His career path has been terrific. He went to Sheffield United from Motherwell and I was delighted about that, having worked there before, even though they were in the third tier at the time. He then moved up to Brighton, played in front of big crowds and helped get them into the Premier League.

‘Coming to Rangers at this stage of his career has been perfect for him. You saw in the last game against Celtic that he was one of Rangers’ better players.

‘It’s about what happens on the day, but he has the ability to give Celtic a hard time. No doubt about that.

‘I’m really pleased for him that he is doing well. I think the contract is sorted for him, even though he is only on loan at Rangers right now.’

A key component of Walter Smith’s Nine-in-a-Row squad, McCall had a perfect record in Scottish Cup semi-final meetings with Celtic. Even so, one of those successes still stands out.

On March 31, 1992, Smith was approaching the end of his first season in charge after replacing Graeme Souness at the helm. But his hopes of a positive conclusion at Hampden appeared pretty bleak when left-back David Robertson was ordered off for a bodycheck on Celtic winger Joe Miller with just six minutes on the clock.

Rangers, however, dug deep into their reserves of energy and willpower to record a famous victory. And it was McCall who won possession to feed Ally McCoist for the only goal of the game.

‘I only watch that back three times a week,’ grinned McCall. ‘Sometimes it is about a bit of luck.

‘We had Robertson sent off early on, a night when it was bouncing down with rain. But I always look back on that game as being the night Walter’s team were born. We had gone out of Europe, Hibs had beaten us in the League Cup and our league form was okay, but not running away with anything. ‘I think if Celtic had won that night, then maybe Rangers wouldn’t have gone on to have the success they did.

‘McCoist put the chance away well and then we had a bit of luck. Celtic should have had a stonewall penalty, (Paul) McStay hit the bar and (Andy) Goram was inspired. ‘You can look back through the history of games for defining moments. And Walter might look back at that one. Once we managed to win with ten men for 85 minutes, the belief in each other really grew. It was Walter’s first season after Graeme had left and new players had come in.

‘I was fortunate enough to play in four semi-finals against Celtic and win them all. That was when Rangers were going through a good period.

‘Now, you can look at Celtic’s last two games which have shown they are not invincible. Last season, you looked at them and thought...(exhales).

‘This year, Rangers have improved since January, albeit they have had blips.

‘They have got players now who can give Celtic a game. But they have to turn up. Rangers have to be at their best to give themselves a chance.

‘Anything can happen in a tight game like this one will be.’ lStuart McCall was speaking at a William Hill Media event. William Hill is the proud sponsor of the Scottish Cup.