Kilmarnock v Rangers preview: Graeme Murty's first game as Gers' official mananger
Friday 22 December 2017 17:40, UK
Graeme Murty's first game officially in charge of Rangers comes on Saturday when they travel to Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership's early kick-off.
Rangers appointed Murty as their boss for the remainder of the 2017/18 season on Friday, having been in interim charge since Pedro Caixinha was sacked at the end of October.
Since then Murty has overseen nine games, winning six, including four Premiership games in a row, something Caixinha failed to do in his time at the helm.
"There is still so much to play for and we cannot let our fans down," Murty said. "They have been incredible. They have given me so much great support during my two spells in the dugout and I would like to thank everyone for their backing.
"I would also like to thank the board for showing faith in me and I will work tirelessly with the players and coaching staff in order to improve our league position and be successful in the Scottish Cup."
Rangers midfielder Ryan Jack will serve the final match of his three-game ban when the Ibrox club travel to Kilmarnock.
Murty will also be without striker Kenny Miller after the striker was given the news his hamstring injury was worse than first feared and that he requires a significant period of recovery.
Jak Alnwick, Graham Dorrans (both ankle), Lee Wallace (groin) and Jordan Rossiter (knee) are also out.
Meanwhile, Kilmarnock midfielder Alan Power is a doubt for the clash. Power was forced off during the win over Motherwell after taking a knock to the ankle, and Steve Clarke has rated him 50-50 after hard work during the week.
Scott Boyd trained on Thursday following illness and is expected to feature, while Stuart Findlay (leg) could return, but Gordon Greer (groin), Iain Wilson (knee) and Steven Smith (back) remain out.
