Murty talks and Rangers rallytofrustratesteelmen
Graeme Murty still has some enormous games to lead Rangers into over the next few weeks.
And he believes yesterday’s comeback at Motherwell could be key to having a successful end to the season.
Murty is desperate to prove he is capable of being Ibrox manager on a long-term basis.
However, he really needs to beat Celtic in the Scottish Cup semi-final and finish second in the Premiership to have any chance of that.
It looked like he had no hope when Rangers were 2-0 down at half-time at Fir Park against Motherwell yesterday.
But it was a Jekyll and Hyde performance from the Light Blues.
A rousing team talk from Murty sparked his players into life and saw them emerge with a share of the points.
Murty said: “I think when the lessons are learned from this game and we reflect on it, it could be a really good thing for the squad.
“To look at being 2-0 down at half-time to a team that are physically really good, then to stand up and come back could stand us in good stead for the challenges to come.
“We want to be better and to be moving forward faster than we are, but there are positives aspects to it.
“All I said at half-time was, ‘ You know that’s not the level you need to be at’.
“The rest of the stuff I said will remain between us, but the reaction I got to that talk and the players’ own disappointment is very pleasing for me.
“It’s reflective of the squad as a whole that they took it as men, came out with a really good response, didn’t sulk, didn’t hide and stood up.
“I challenged them to show more accountability and to be on the front foot. They did that.”
At the break, Murty was facing the prospect of leading Rangers to three consecutive league defeats for the first time in 18 years.
Even worse than that, they were going down without a fight – not even a hint of one.
Motherwell carried out their game plan superbly, but even they must have been surprised by how easy it was to dominate proceedings.
The Steelmen pressed Rangers all over the pitch and were two goals up in a flash.
Russell Martin was penalised for a knee in Chris Cadden’s back and Curtis Main slotted home the penalty kick.
James Tavernier was then barged off the ball by Main and his pass let young Alan Campbell run through to slide the ball past Wes Foderingham.
Rangers emerged like a different team in the second half.
Tavernier converted a penalty awarded for a challenge on him by Elliott Frear and Jamie Murphy equalised with a low shot after running at the home defence.
It was Motherwell’s turn to look shell-shocked as Murty’s men charged forward and came close to conjuring up a winner.
The Steelmen rallied a little and Main hit the bar as play raged from end to end.
Motherwell boss Stephen Robinson said: “I’m very disappointed.
“I’m trying to create a mentality in the dressing room that says we’re not happy with just a point from Rangers.
“I thought the game should have been out of sight as we had so many chances in the first half.
“It was our start in the second half that cost us the win, not the referee, but the penalty award played a big part in it.
“For me, it wasn’t a penalty. He got the ball.” Motherwell striker Main wants his team-mates to show their disappointment against Aberdeen on Tuesday night.
He said: “There will be a reaction because the lads are extremely frustrated to only be coming out with a point.
“We believe we’re a match for anyone if we play our way.”