Graeme Murty not phased by Dave King's statement ahead of Old Firm
The Rangers boss has dismissed claims his position was undermined
Rangers boss Graeme Murty has knocked back suggestions that Dave King has undermined his position ahead of this Sunday's semi-final clash at Hampden.
The club chairman praised the former under-20s coach in a statement this week, but failed to make it clear whether Murty will continue to be in the hotseat next season.
That has led cynics to suggest the former Reading defender's days in the hotseat are numbered, while others have attacked the timing of King's comments, which arrived just six days before Rangers face Celtic in a William Hill Scottish Cup semi-final.
Murty's reading of the situation is different, however.
And while he has not spoken to the chairman since he flew in from South Africa for last month's Old Firm game, he believes he still has a chance of securing the job permanently.
Asked if it was an unhelpful distraction ahead of the derby against Brendan Rodgers' treble chasers, he said: "Not at all. It's another thing to deal with but we move forward and get ready for the game.
"I want to get the squad ready for the game but the statement was just a reiteration of the situation as it pertains to season tickets and the managerial situation moving forward
"I haven't spoke to the chairman this week - I haven't felt the need to.
"The statement started by saying I've done a really good job and should be proud of what I've done.
"My situation hasn't changed. My understanding of it hasn't changed. I've got a contract until the end of the season. The chairman, as far as I'm aware, reiterated that in the summer a manager will be appointed.
"Whether that's me or someone else, that appointment will have to take place. So my situation and my reading of it hasn't altered.
"If anything it allows me to focus and give my closest attention and the very best of myself to the remaining games.''
Murty knows he could do his job prospects the world of good by masterminding victory over the Hoops for the first time since Rodgers took over at Parkhead.
But he does not want that to be Rangers' motivation as they run out at the national stadium.
"Yes, it would be better for me personally but it's about making sure we get this weekend right,'' said Murty, who has confirmed Josh Windass has shrugged off a calf injury to declare himself fit for action.
"We've got a big game, so let's concentrate on getting that right.
"I'd prefer to speak wholly about the semi-final because it's going to be my first experience of it and it's going to be a really big day for the football club and the players.
"So my sole focus will be on the game, not what happens after that, not what happens in the summer.'