Graeme Murty can claim Rangers job permanently, says director of football Mark Allen

Murty, who had taken over on an interim basis following the departure of Pedro Caixinha in October, was handed the job until the end of the season on Friday, only to get off to an inauspicious start when he presided over a 2-1 defeat to Kilmarnock at Rugby Park yesterday.

Asked if he had someone in mind to take over the role at the end of the season, Allen said: “I don’t think you should rule Graeme Murty out first and foremost. We’ve appointed him as manager of the football club and we have to give him every chance of success and support, which he will be given.

“If someone does well, why would you appoint differently? That’s what I would say. The most important thing is that we get behind Graeme right now and give him every possible chance of success.

“He’s clear and concise in terms of his messages, he’s a very good coach – tactically he’s very sound – and he brings an overwhelming enthusiasm, passion and respect for what this job is and the privilege we should all feel for being part of this football club.”

Allen dismissed suggestions Murty was only appointed as Rangers boss as a last resort after their first choice, Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes, rejected the position.

“I went back to the board and asked which strategy we were going to go for, this one, this one or this one?” said Allen. “The board made the decision in which direction they were going to go, and Graeme was the obvious candidate then.”

Squandering a lead to lose for the second successive week won’t help his chances of extending his tenure, and the 43-year-old said last night he and his players were under scrutiny.

“I’ve got no doubt right now I’m being judged by many, many people,” said Murty. “Likewise the players. You’re always playing for your future as a footballer, chasing your next contract. When you’re filling a shirt for Rangers you have to go and perform regardless of the pressure you’re feeling.”