However, even if Murty is returned to the youth academy at the Rangers Training Centre, Holt has no doubt that he will become a successful manager in his own right in the future.

The waiting game over the worst-kept secret in football goes on as everyone braces themselves for an official Rangers approach to Aberdeen for Derek McInnes.

If negotiations are successful McInnes would bring Tony Docherty with him and Holt would like to see Murty added to the backroom team.

Rangers players, from left, Kenny Miller, Lee Wallace and Jason Holt met Bryce Barron, 6, and James Lumsden, 5 ,at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow. Picture: SNS.

The midfielder said: “All I can say is that since he was placed in temporary charge he’s been great. We would certainly welcome working with him for a longer period of time. But, that is not up to us.

“He has been great since he came in. All the boys have enjoyed working under him.

“It is a difficult situation for him and the players appreciate that. The main thing we can give him is 100 per cent hard work.

“We have given him that and he has given the same to us. It is good when these things come together.

“I think there has been a change from when he was asked to step into the role last season.

“It is hard stepping up from the under-20s but he has handled it really well. He has managed to put his ideas across in a short space of time. I think every manager has different philosophies and perspective on things. He has kept things relatively simple and what he has done has been great.”

Murty has shown his tactical nous in the back-to-back wins over Aberdeen, having also secured a 1-1 draw at Celtic Park last season.

The implementation of a diamond midfield anchored by Ross McCrorie has worked really well, while pushing Josh Windass through the middle has also been a success.

Holt added: “I certainly think he has the tools to be a manager. You have seen in both spells here when he took over that he has the ability. The attributes to be a manager are there for all to see.

“The Aberdeen victories were two big results for us. We knew the importance of the games, especially after the losses to Dundee and  Hamilton.

“We were delighted how Wednesday went at Ibrox and then to put in a performance at Pittodrie, which is a difficult place to go. “We showed a lot of grit and determination in the second half.”

The downside to Sunday’s win at Pittodrie was the sending-off of Ryan Jack for following through on Stevie May and he will miss the next three matches – home to Ross County (h), away to Hibs, and home to St Johnstone – unless Rangers are successful in their appeal.

Holt admitted: “It would be a big blow to lose him as he has been a good player for us this season.

“He has been a really good signing and his performances have been good. Ryan is a committed and determined player.

“I didn’t see the tackle at the time as it happened too quick and I haven’t watched it back.”

Yet again Rangers have the chance to win three games in succession for the first time since December last year.

Holt said: “It is not great we are even talking about trying to get three wins. At this club we should be going on far longer runs than that if we want to have ambitions to win things.”

Holt and his team-mates paid a festive visit to the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow yesterday and handed over a donation of £10,000 from the Rangers Charity Foundation to Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity.

He said: “It is difficult at this time of year to be in hospital. If we can come around and put a smile on their faces it is the least we can do.”

Rangers must keep Graeme Murty says Jason Holt