BY ALAN TEMPLE – Capital City Press
Rangers starlet Andy Murdoch knows his deadline day switch to Cowdenbeath raised a few eyebrows.
However, he is adamant a stint at Central Park can put him on the pathway to the Premiership.
The 20-year-old was one of the few silver linings during the Gers’ miserable end to last season, making 21 appearances in the final three months of the campaign and claiming the club’s young player of the year award prize.
However, amid increased competition under new Ibrox boss Mark Warburton, Murdoch was farmed out on loan to the Blue Brazil until January 5.
Dropping to League One shocked many, however the talented schemer is adamant the only thing that matters is that he is being steeled by first-team football.
“I had no qualms about coming to Cowdenbeath. I knew what I needed was regular football to progress, and that was something on offer here,” Murdoch told Capital City Press.
“Rangers are doing really well in the league and have signed some top players – guys like [Andy] Halliday, Jason Holt, Tav [James Tavernier] and Martyn Waghorn – so it was always going to be tough to play every week.
“At this stage of my career I need to be playing regularly and enjoying my football, which I have been so far.
“Just like the other loan boys from Rangers, people are coming down to watch the games we play, so it’s important I do well and look to keep improving.”
By joining a part-time club, Murdoch has been able to continue training with his Rangers teammates at Murray Park under the watchful eye of manager Mark Warburton.
And, while he could still have a part to play for the Ibrox side in the Championship during the second half of the season, his long term goal is to cement his place in a Gers side playing Premiership football.
“The manager told me he didn’t want me kicking about on the bench and not playing games,” Murdoch continued. “If I do well, I know I’ll get a chance to go back and stake a claim.
“Rangers have a good squad and, in my view, they should go on and win the league now.
“If I do well here, my plan is to be a part of things in the Premiership with Rangers.”
