DEREK MCINNES denied Graeme Murty the chance of a well-earned break when he turned down the Rangers job and elected to remain at Aberdeen.

But the Ibrox boss is grateful that his decision has given him a chance to remain at the helm for the second half of the campaign.

Murty looked set to bow out as interim manager on the ultimate high after leading his side to back-to-back wins over the Dons last year.

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History tells a different story, however, and Murty and McInnes will be in opposite dugouts when Rangers and Aberdeen do battle once again this evening.

With a three-point deficit to make up in the Premiership, a third victory over the Reds would be just as significant as the previous wins at Ibrox and Pittodrie.

Murty said: “It wasn’t a strange experience in many ways because I was getting loads and loads of phone calls and texts and basically, a lot of stick for doing okay against them.

“We just had to take care of business in the football club, regardless of what was going to happen with Derek.

“I was obviously respectful of the fact the club were talking to him and respectful of the fact he might well have come in and we also said to the players, ‘You have to showcase yourselves really well because this guy might be your next boss.’ I thought over the two games they showcased themselves brilliantly.

“As much as I enjoyed the fact as a manager you got a bit of plaudits, I enjoyed the fact the players stood up to the challenge and the pressure almost of impressing a new boss and they were fantastic in those two games. We hope to see those same levels again this time around.”

McInnes looked destined to return to his former club and succeed Pedro Caixinha as boss after a lengthy search by the Ibrox board.

But the 46-year-old performed an eleventh hour U-turn that left the Light Blues furious and Murty having to change his plans at the last minute.

He said: “Yes it did [come as a surprise]– I had a weekend away planned with my family!

“But he didn’t take the job so those plans changed; that’s football. You can’t work in this wonderful business without taking these occasions for what they are.

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“It’s just the way it goes. He’s made his decision and move don and we need to ensure we’re not always talking about that. We also need to move on and talk about the exciting times we can have.”

The lure of the Ibrox office wasn’t enough to tempt McInnes to head for the Pittodrie exit door as he committed his future to the Dons.

The chance to remain at the Light Blues helm was too good for Murty to turn down, however, and he was soon appointed as manager until the end of the season.

Murty said: “I was going to be going down to Norwich with my wife and the little one and spending time with friends for a long weekend. It didn’t happen.

“But, listen, let’s not moan about the fact that I am Rangers manager. I am sure there are loads of people whose hearts don’t exactly bleed for me.

“Derek didn’t come, I didn’t get a weekend away but what I did get was another unbelievable opportunity at this place and I am unbelievably fortunate and thankful.

“I am unbelievably thankful that we get a chance to push ourselves forward now and we have to make sure we push on beyond where we are.”