Caz
2nd May 2007, 10:08 AM
Ian Murray admits he would love to see Hibernian star Scott Brown join him at Rangers next season.
For now, though, the Ibrox utility man is just relieved not to be facing his former club-mate on Saturday.
Rangers travel to Easter Road knowing three points will confirm their status as runners-up in the Bank of Scotland Premier League.
And, having played alongside Brown during his own time at Hibs, Murray believes the absence of the suspended Gers target can only boost their chances of getting the job done.
"He's got bundles of energy and his technique is very good," said Murray.
"He is one of those players, even if he isn't playing to his usual standard, will be a nuisance.
"You always know he is on the park. He is suspended tomorrow and that's a blessing for us."
Both halves of the Old Firm have been linked with a summer move for Brown, along with several Barclays Premiership clubs.
Murray added: "He can play at a high level, everyone knows that. He's a good player and there's a lot of interest in him at the moment.
"There are so may options for him at the moment. Hibs will also be looking for a decent amount of money for him.
"Some big clubs have been linked with him so he has good options.
"I'm not surprised he is attracting interest but maybe he will be surprised himself by the amount of clubs interested.
"He has to decide whether he wants to move away or stay in Scotland - so I might have a wee word with him if I see him tomorrow!"
Murray's own future is also on his mind for the season ahead, following a campaign wrecked by illness.
The 26-year-old was struck down with reactive arthritis during pre-season and missed almost all of Paul Le Guen's ill-fated reign at Rangers.
Murray had already worked with Walter Smith during his time as Scotland manager but he feels he still has plenty to prove to the Rangers boss.
He said: "I haven't been back in the team for long, I've only had half a season.
"For me to try to stay in the team is high on my list of things to do.
"I've worked with the manager before with Scotland so hopefully that will work in my favour.
"There is no doubt there will be players coming in and players leaving over the summer.
"The most important thing for me is to get pre-season under my belt, get fit and stay clear of injuries."
For now, though, the Ibrox utility man is just relieved not to be facing his former club-mate on Saturday.
Rangers travel to Easter Road knowing three points will confirm their status as runners-up in the Bank of Scotland Premier League.
And, having played alongside Brown during his own time at Hibs, Murray believes the absence of the suspended Gers target can only boost their chances of getting the job done.
"He's got bundles of energy and his technique is very good," said Murray.
"He is one of those players, even if he isn't playing to his usual standard, will be a nuisance.
"You always know he is on the park. He is suspended tomorrow and that's a blessing for us."
Both halves of the Old Firm have been linked with a summer move for Brown, along with several Barclays Premiership clubs.
Murray added: "He can play at a high level, everyone knows that. He's a good player and there's a lot of interest in him at the moment.
"There are so may options for him at the moment. Hibs will also be looking for a decent amount of money for him.
"Some big clubs have been linked with him so he has good options.
"I'm not surprised he is attracting interest but maybe he will be surprised himself by the amount of clubs interested.
"He has to decide whether he wants to move away or stay in Scotland - so I might have a wee word with him if I see him tomorrow!"
Murray's own future is also on his mind for the season ahead, following a campaign wrecked by illness.
The 26-year-old was struck down with reactive arthritis during pre-season and missed almost all of Paul Le Guen's ill-fated reign at Rangers.
Murray had already worked with Walter Smith during his time as Scotland manager but he feels he still has plenty to prove to the Rangers boss.
He said: "I haven't been back in the team for long, I've only had half a season.
"For me to try to stay in the team is high on my list of things to do.
"I've worked with the manager before with Scotland so hopefully that will work in my favour.
"There is no doubt there will be players coming in and players leaving over the summer.
"The most important thing for me is to get pre-season under my belt, get fit and stay clear of injuries."