Josh Windass '˜could miss Rangers' Old Firm cup tie with Celtic'

Rangers boss Graeme Murty has said Josh Windass could miss next weekend's William Hill Scottish Cup semi-final clash with Old Firm rivals Celtic.

Windass was clattered into by Motherwell defender Cedric Kipre last weekend and has not trained since.

He now misses Saturday’s Ladbrokes Premiership visit of Dundee but, more worryingly for Rangers, Murty has revealed the 17-goal midfielder is also a doubt for next weekend’s William Hill Scottish Cup semi-final clash with the Hoops.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Murty, who also said goalkeeper Wes Foderingham could sit out this weekend after missing training on Friday, said: “Josh isn’t available tomorrow unfortunately. He’s a bit tender at the minute.

Josh Windass sustained an injury in Rangers' 2-2 draw with Motherwell. Picture: SNS GroupJosh Windass sustained an injury in Rangers' 2-2 draw with Motherwell. Picture: SNS Group
Josh Windass sustained an injury in Rangers' 2-2 draw with Motherwell. Picture: SNS Group

“Cedric is a hefty guy and Josh felt that impact to his calf. It was 16 and a half stone of Kipre falling on his leg.

“I don’t know about next weekend as yet. It’s too soon to say. We’ll assess him over the weekend and see where he gets to.”

Rangers slumped for the third game running at Motherwell as defeats to Celtic and Kilmarnock were followed by the 2-2 draw at Fir Park.

The result has raised fresh questions over this current line-up’s ability to compete for prizes.

Josh Windass sustained an injury in Rangers' 2-2 draw with Motherwell. Picture: SNS GroupJosh Windass sustained an injury in Rangers' 2-2 draw with Motherwell. Picture: SNS Group
Josh Windass sustained an injury in Rangers' 2-2 draw with Motherwell. Picture: SNS Group

READ MORE - Leigh Griffiths admits he got carried away with flag at Ibrox

Murty feels both he and his players are ready to step up - but admits words will no longer cut it with fed-up fans.

“It’s been something I’ve been thinking about all week and it applies to my position as well,” said the manager after seeing his team fall three points behind Aberdeen in the race for second place.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I’m a firm believer that the pressure you feel representing this club is an absolute privilege.

“In my capacity or in the players’ capacity, it is a privilege to have that pressure on your shoulders to represent this club in the way we should do.

“We need to step up and take it.

“I believe I can and I believe the players can - but talk is cheap.

“You have to go and handle that pressure on a daily basis. We’ll see tomorrow when we kick off if we’re in the right mindset to go and do that.

“It takes big shoulders to fill a Rangers shirt and you have to be able to cope with playing in front of 50,000 people who demand high standards. That demand won’t go away.”

The former under-20s coach has endured a series of ups and downs since replacing Pedro Caixinha.

But Murty insists the strain of leading Rangers will make him a better boss.

“It’s new to me, if I’m being honest,” said Murty. “I played with pressure and I’ve lived with pressure as a coach.

“But as a manager, it’s different.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“However, I’m improving at handling it and I’ll be better for it as a person, a coach and a manager for dealing with the pressure.

“I have to understand that people aren’t having a go at me personally. They expect things from this position. They expect a certain level of competence and ability.

“I believe I have it but I have to go show it every single day and better than we have done recently.”

READ MORE - Obituary: Ray Wilkins, ‘the nicest man in football’, England captain and former player for Rangers and Hibs