Former Rangers fullback Alan Hutton does not believe that Jamie Murphy should be sold by the Light Blues in the January transfer window.

Reports have suggested that the 30-year-old could be loaned or let go next month as manager Steven Gerrard looks to trim fringe players from his squad. However, Hutton thinks loaning him out rather than an outright sale would be the best solution:

“I actually rate him. He’s been very unlucky with his injury and it’s always difficult to come back from something like that. Personally, looking in from the outside, I think going out on loan will be good for him as I do believe he’s got ability and I do believe he can bring something to the Rangers team when his confidence is up.”

“So I think maybe going away, playing games, going somewhere that he is going to play every week, not somewhere where he will be in and out, build up his confidence…and let’s not forget he had a serious injury and it takes time to get back up to speed.”

Murphy has played just 53 minutes in two substitute appearances this campaign, following his recovery from a serious knee injury that kept him out for most of last season.

As a winger who relies on his movement, an ACL is particularly difficult to get back from, and Hutton would be right to say that some time away from Ibrox, where he can recapture his form, could do wonders for him.

Still, with Jordan Jones, Ryan Kent, Sheyi Ojo, Scott Arfield and Brandon Barker all vying for spots on the wing, it does seem that Murphy has it all to do to make his way back up the pecking order under Gerrard.