Murty: I trusted my gut, and it paid off
Last updated 9th Dec 2017
Graeme Murty hailed the gut decision which finally allowed Rangers to register three straight wins for the first time this year.
Having beaten Aberdeen home and away last week Gers had the chance to finally complete a hat-trick of wins - a feat they had not managed since December last year - with the visit of Ross County.
But things appeared to be going wrong again for the Light Blues when Craig Curren headed the Staggies ahead 10 minutes in.
Murty knew he had to change things as his side headed in at the break and the Ibrox caretaker boss - thrust back into limelight after Derek McInnes opted to snub the Light Blues' job offer earlier this week - made his move as the anonymous Carlos Pena was replaced by Alfredo Morelos.
The Colombian had not scored in three months, but repaid Murty's faith with the equaliser before Danny Wilson handed Gers a 2-1 victory with his late header.
“The shape didn't suit what we were trying to do and unfortunately for Carlos he was the one that came out,” said a relieved Murty.
“When you are manager - or interim manager - you have to make decisions and the decision seemed to pay off because Alfredo scored.
“I think it's important you back yourself as the person in charge. You have to go with your gut and that's what my gut said.
“It's three points. It wasn't a performance that stirred the blood, but the players found a way to win and I'm pleased for them. We can play better, but credit to Ross County for the way they played.
“Perhaps now the press will stop mentioning the three wins in a row. It's nine points for the players and that puts them in a better state of mind and that's great for them.”
Morelos had gone 10 games since last netting against Partick Thistle back in mid-September, but it looked like his drought was set to continue as he pulled at his first couple of opportunities.
However, he stroked home confidently from Daniel Candeias' cross on 59 minutes to cancel out Curran's opener.
Wilson then secured the points when he nodded home after Scott Fox's spill seven minutes from the end.
Murty said: “It's fantastic for Alfredo. He missed one just previous to his goal, but, whatever you say about him, he keeps on getting into those areas consistently.
“He's got a goal, hopefully he can now go on another run for us.”
County boss Owen Coyle was delighted with his team's display, but felt they should have had spot-kick after Bruno Alves barged into Andrew Davies.
He said: “Late on at 2-1 we had a stonewall penalty. Big Andrew Davies was running in and Alves, not even looking at the ball, throws him to the ground.
“For me it's a stonewall penalty and when we all see it back even the most biased would agree you'd be looking for a penalty there."