GREG DOCHERTY spent 14 years going by the gates of Auchenhowie dreaming of life at Rangers. This week, it became a reality.

The midfielder started out on the road to success at Hamilton and now he is heading in a new direction with his boyhood heroes.

Docherty arrived at the Rangers Football Centre on Thursday afternoon to undergo a medical and finalise a move that has been weeks in the making but has been on his mind for far longer.

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Just hours later, he left his Milngavie home for a shorter commute than usual. This time, he drove through the blue crested gates as a Ranger.

“The indicator came on today so that was a nice feeling,” Docherty said as he reflected on his first morning as a Rangers player. “I had been waiting to do that for a long time. For it to happen was really good.

“Maybe [it will take time to sink in]. But I am here now and I want to hit the ground running.

“You don’t have time to get yourself bedded in at Rangers. I think you need to go straight away. I am prepared to do that I am looking forward to getting started properly.”

The smile across Docherty’s face said it all as he conducted his first interviews and posed for the customary signing photographs following the completion of his £680,000 switch.

Alongside messages of thanks to Gers fans and Accies that he has posted on social media, there is a picture of the 21-year-old and his nearest and dearest inside Auchenhowie.

The chance to pull on a blue jersey was too good to turn down. Now he has signed for Rangers, he must make a name for himself at Rangers.

Docherty said: “It is massive, of course, because my family are all fans. It means a great deal for me to be here and to them as well.

“But I think I am here because it is the perfect platform for me to go and develop regardless of the fact I support the club.

“The decision was purely made for footballing reasons. I think it is the right place for me to kick on. I am really looking forward to getting started.

“The facilities are really good, training today was of a really good standard and the boys have been great with me so far. I am looking forward to getting going.”

Docherty could make his debut for Murty’s side in Dingwall tomorrow as Rangers look to follow up their midweek win over Aberdeen with victory against Ross County.

The Light Blue legions are keen to see the Scotland Under-21 star in action but he faces stiff competition for a central berth at present.

Docherty knows all about the demands and the expectations, though. It is a challenge he is determined to rise to as quickly as possible.

Docherty said: “Over the past few weeks since it was announced that Rangers were interested, I think when people got to know me, the support I’ve received, on social media in particular, has been great.

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“That’s another reason I was desperate to come. But I need to perform now.

“It’s a pressure I want. I want the pressure of performing in front of those fans, I want to do well for them.

“I’m a supporter as well but I have seen that side of it now, supporting Rangers and wanting them to do well, and now I have the chance to help them do well so for me there’s no greater feeling.”

Docherty has followed Sean Goss, Jamie Murphy, Russell Martin and Jason Cummings into Ibrox this month but he is the only one that has penned a permanent deal.

The fee Rangers have paid out and the four-and-a-half year contract he has signed is testament to the belief Murty has in him and the promise he has shown at Accies.

His immediate aim is to help Rangers finish second in the Premiership and win the Scottish Cup but there are long-term ambitions at Ibrox.

Docherty said: “I have been reading the manager’s comments of late and speaking to Mark Allen, there is a plan here.

“I was desperate to be part of that plan. I was sold on Rangers straight away.

“Obviously, I am a fan. But on the football side of things Rangers are going up and I want to be part of that.

“I want to be pushing them, I want to be creating competition for places which will help with performances on the pitch and getting good results. That’s what I’m desperate to be a part of.”

The acquisition of Docherty is the latest piece of the jigsaw for Murty as he puts his own stamp on his squad and Rangers move in a different direction in the transfer market.

The Gers boss has previously spoken of the importance of having players with the right mental attributes as well as physical qualities to ensure they can handle life in Light Blue.

Docherty is the latest supporter to live the dream and he is determined to play his part in bringing success back to Ibrox.

“I think it is [important] if you get a good mix, and I think now we have that here,” he said.

“There is already a good bunch of Scottish boys here as well which is also very important I think. They know the ins and outs of the club. But even from being here today the guys know everything that Rangers is about.

“They have been talking to me, they have been great with me, everyone is speaking to me, helping me, making sure I am alright.

“That’s allowing me to settle in. It’s a really good dressing room, I’m excited to work with them.”