GRAEME MURTY reckons the Rangers squad showed the incoming Ibrox boss what they were made of as they battled to a 2-1 win over Aberdeen.

The Light Blues followed up their 3-0 victory against the Dons in midweek with another important Premiership triumph as they moved up to second spot in the standings.

Ryan Jack saw red on his return to Pittodrie but goals from Danny Wilson and Josh Windass clinched the points for Rangers.

Read more: Aberdeen 1-2 Rangers: The job is done for Graeme Murty and the Gers at Pittodrie

The Dons clash could prove to be Murty’s final game in charge as the Ibrox board look to complete their search for Pedro Caixinha’s successor.

Rangers have been written off in many quarters this season but the 43-year-old was delighted with the performance and mental resolve on show against Derek McInnes’ side.

Murty said: “We’ve got a squad of players who have been challenged and questioned, who have been tested. Rightly or wrongly.

“But they’re a squad of players who need to be at their maximum all the time to get the best out of themselves.

“They know that. I think a couple of times this season they haven’t quite hit those heights. They’re aware of that.

“It’s our job to make sure that, once they walk on to the football pitch, they peak for the game – and deal with the circumstances of the game.

“If whoever comes into his job manages to do that, there is some talent in this squad.

Read more: Chris Jack: The decision should be an easy one for Derek McInnes if Rangers come calling

“There are things to work with, as they’ve just shown. When they respond in that manner, to get a goal back, that’s not me, that’s not the coaching staff.

“That is down to what is inside them. I wish they would bring it out more often.

“Difficult teams reveal things about you. They give you an opportunity for growth.

“And a few people have been not sure as to where they fit in, in the Rangers family.

“I think they showed today that they understand the expectation, they’re ready for the level of scrutiny they’re under.

“But there might be a new guy coming in who wants to change a few things again. It’s just down to the players too perform.

“When you put it to them in those bald terms, can you go and perform, they haven’t got a hiding place.

“None of this team hid today. And they’ve shown that in the last two games, against one of our fiercest rivals. So I think answers about their character are there for all to see.”

Read more: Derek McInnes: Talk over a move to Rangers has 'dragged on and dragged on'

Murty has won four of his six games since being asked to step back into the dugout following the sacking of Caixinha in October.

The Under-20s boss was given a rousing reception from supporters at the end of a hard fought win for the Gers as he gets set to hand over the reigns once again.

Murty said: “I’m really grateful to the fans and for the level of support I’ve had since taking the role on.

“Even in the hard times, people have gone out of their way to tell me I’m doing well.

“But this is a great job. People can say I’m doing well.

“This is an honour and a privilege. So I thank them for their kind words.

“But you honestly can’t believe the buzz I get driving into work every day, being in charge of this team.

“It’s a unique experience and something no-one should ever take for granted.

“I don’t. That’s why I’ve enjoyed it so much.

“I will be sad. It will be hard looking at the team because it won’t be mine, so to speak.

“But I will be proud of what I’ve done, when I look back on it.

“The hard bit for me will be making sure I give this level of detail and this level of focus to the young players I’m going back to work with.

“To do anything other than that would be a disservice to them. I will try to live up to the standards myself and the staff have set during this short period."