Graeme Murty credits '˜gut instinct' for match-winning change

As the Rangers board scrabble around in their managerial hunt following the Derek McInnes debacle, interim Graeme Murty might have had a subliminal message for his paymasters in his assessment of what proved decisive in the 2-1 win over Ross County.

Interim Rangers manager Graeme Murty celebrates after his side score a second goal. Picture: Craig Foy/SNS

Murty, given the role until the winter break, said it was “gut” instinct that resulted in him making the half-time change that proved the catalyst for the fightback from a goal down. The turnaround was set in motion by a goal on the hour-mark from half-time substitute Alfredo Morelos, on for the hitherto 
little-seen Carlos Pena.

“Let’s be honest he [Pena] hasn’t played a lot of football,” said Murty. “Lots of games in a short period of time. The shape didn’t suit what we were trying to do and unfortunately for Carlos he was the one that came out. When you are manager, or interim manager, you have to make decisions and the decision seemed to pay off because Alfredo scored.

“I think it is important you have to back yourself as the person in charge. You have to go with your gut and that is what my gut said.”

His gut is telling Murty that his team must raise their standard if they are to beat Hibs at Easter Road on Wednesday and win four straight league games for the first time since last December. “It wasn’t a performance that stirred the blood, or at the level of the two previous performances [against Aberdeen] but the players found a way to win and I’m pleased for them,” he added. “We can play better but credit to Ross County for the way they played and set up. They were good today, but we managed grind out a win.

“It’s going to be a difficult game on Wednesday and we have to make sure we are ready for it.”