Jamie Murphy: European qualification pivotal for Rangers
Winter signing Jamie Murphy believes Rangers must make progress in their European qualifying campaign next season in order to showcase that they have fully rehabilitated after the financial meltdown six years ago. The 28-year-old attacker made the switch to the Ibrox Stadium on a temporary basis from Brighton & Hove Albion, but the deal will be made permanent in the summer.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Murphy was not shy to reveal his lofty ambitions, while revealing his desire to take the club back to their glory days. Rangers have not won any major trophy since their Scottish title in 2011, and the winger believes that they could have a realistic chance in the Cup this time around after falling short two years ago to Hibernian.
“I want to win trophies, which is what everyone wants to do in their career. I want to achieve things and to win things. You want to be remembered when you do eventually leave. That is what Rangers are all about – trying to win things. I have always enjoyed playing in Europe. European ties are massive for players and the club so that is an aim,” he said.
Murphy will be making his friendly debut for the Rangers during the Florida Cup meeting versus Brazilian side Atletico Mineiro at Orlando City’s stadium, and he will have to wait until January 21 to take on Fraserburgh in his first competitive game in the fourth round of the Scottish Cup.
The experienced forward reached the final of the competition with Motherwell, and he is looking towards another exciting campaign, he said: “It is a competition I enjoy. It was always one I looked forward to. It is good to try to get to finals and to try to win things. That is what you want in your career.”
Rangers are presently second in their Scottish Premiership standings, trailing Celtic by 11 points, and they may have to probably settle for a runner-up spot at the best which offers them a route to the Europa League qualification phase, where they suffer a first round exit earlier this term.