JAMIE MURPHY was relieved his dream move to Rangers didn’t fall through at the eleventh hour over the weekend.

The striker clinched a loan switch to Ibrox on Saturday evening before jetting out to join up with Graeme Murty’s squad ahead of their two matches in the Florida Cup.

Murphy had been set to put pen-to-paper on a three-and-a-half year deal with his boyhood heroes but the deal will now be made permanent at the end of the campaign.

Read more: Jamie Murphy realises his boyhood dream after signing for Rangers

He said: “There was a little bit where I thought it might not happen.

“Rangers were terrific with me, Andy Scoulding, Stewart Robertson, Mark Allen and the manager. They were all great in telling me they wanted me here.

“Saturday morning they left and I was still back at home trying to fix things. In the end we were always confident.

“There was a little time when I thought it might not happen but by Saturday afternoon I knew it was going to happen and I was just happy to get on the plane.”

Murphy has followed midfielder Sean Goss into Ibrox this month as boss Murty looks to bolster his squad for the second half of the campaign.

The 28-year-old has spent several successful seasons in England with Sheffield United and Brighton but he is looking forward to getting down to business in Light Blue.

Murphy said: “It is an exciting time. The team have done well this season.

“We are looking to improve as well as I am as a player. Things are looking up.

“They were unlucky not to win the derby and so there is a lot to look forward to.

“I want to win trophies, that is what everyone wants to do in their career. I want to achieve things and to win things.

Read more: Jimmy Nicholl delighted to be back in blue after returning to Rangers

“You want to be remembered when you do eventually leave. That is what Rangers are all about – trying to win things.”

Rangers have set their sights on second spot in the Premiership and Scottish Cup glory in the coming months as Murty looks to earn an extension to his own Ibrox deal.

And Murphy hopes he will be able to realise another ambition by helping the Gers return to the Europa League following their early exit under Pedro Caixinha this time around.

He said: “I have always enjoyed playing in Europe.

“I have been lucky enough to play in a good Motherwell side who got into Europe a couple of times. I got a few goals also which was good.

“European ties are massive for players and the club so that is an aim.

“That is all Rangers have ever known and is what we are trying to achieve. I am sure I am no different to anyone else in that dressing room.”