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Rangers transfer news: Danny Murphy makes crucial point on Defoe and Davis deals
RANGERS signings Steven Davis and Jermain Defoe’s ages should not be a worry because their lack of playing time over the last year will mean they’re in “good nick”.
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That is the opinion of former team-mate of both men, Danny Murphy.
Defoe has signed on an 18-month loan deal from Bournemouth, while Davis is joining on a six-month loan.
Davis, 34, is already a popular figure in Glasgow, playing for Rangers from 2008 to 2012.
Defoe, 36, has never played in the Scottish Premiership but brings with him a wealth of experience and penalty-area nous - the striker is seventh on the all-time list of Premier League top scorers with 162 goals.
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The fact they’ve not played much football in the last year probably means they’re in good nick
Davis has only played 97 league minutes for Southampton this campaign, while Defoe has managed only 24.
The retired Murphy has played with both men before, and believes they are coups for Steven Gerrard’s side.
There have been reservations about their age, but Murphy does not think that will be an issue.
Speaking on talkSPORT, the former Liverpool midfielder said: “Dave has been at Rangers before - he’s very well liked, a super footballer.
“People might say they’re past their sell-by date - the fact they’ve not played much football in the last year or two probably means they’re in good nick.
“When you go anywhere in the middle of the season, your rhythm can take a while to come back.
“But Jermain Defoe has always been a goalscorer, always been someone you can give the ball around the 18-yard box, he’ll manoeuvre himself, two-footed, he’ll shoot from anywhere. Super sharp.
“I played with him in a charity game a year or so back, and he was electric.”
Rangers return to action from the winter break on January 18, tied on points with reigning champions Celtic.
The Light Blues remain underdogs in the title race, but Murphy believes the loan deals Gerrard has sorted will only improve their chances.
“I didn’t put it past him when he first got the job, because he’s a born winner,” Murphy said of Gerrard.
“People say: ‘You can be a winner all you like, but you need the tools.’
“He’s finding a way of competing at the moment, and I think these signings are really good.
“I’ve played with both of them. They’re very calm players, very comfortable with what they are and what they can give.”