Rangers boss Graeme Murty understands why Carlos Pena may want a return to Mexico

GRAEME MURTY says he will understand if Carlos Pena wants to return to Mexico after an underwhelming start to his Rangers career.

The £2.5million recruit from CD Guadalajara was former Ibrox boss Pedro Caixinha’s marquee summer signing.

But he was quoted this week by the Mexican press as saying he was “not ruling out a Plan B option” that would see him head back to his homeland.

The enigmatic attacker has netted five goals in 13 appearances yet has largely looked out of place in the Scottish game.

He has also slipped down Murty’s pecking order following the under-20s boss’ promotion to first-team command and has not started since being substituted at half-time during the December 9 clash with Ross County.

Murty says he has yet to discuss Pena’s comments with the former Mexico international but knows a potential move could be on his mind.

He said: “No we’ve not spoken yet but all players, when it comes to January, will be looking at their options, no matter whether you have a four-year deal or are in your last six months.

“Every player when the transfer window opens will be looking at making sure they secure the best future for themselves and their family.

“I understand that – that’s the nature of the beast.

“So if you come to me and say that ‘X player’ has been notified that this is going to happen it wouldn’t really surprise me.

“We just need to be honest and open with the player and be flexible enough to react properly.”

Murty, meanwhile, is refusing to rule Ryan Jack out of Saturday’s Old Firm showdown despite the Ibrox battler being carried off on a stretcher against Motherwell.

The former Dons skipper suffered a painful knee injury after being caught by Steelmen defender Cedric Kipre late in the first half of Wednesday night’s 2-0 win.

Murty admitted after the game that Jack was a major doubt for the Parkhead duel with Brendan Rodgers’ league leaders.

But speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of his side’s trip to Celtic Park, the new Gers boss now says he is holding on to a slim hope that the 25-year-old could pull through in time to feature.

He said: “Ryan is sore. Our physios are taking very good care of him but we don’t know yet if there is any long-term damage. It’s too soon to say.

“It’s very sensitive, very tender. We will look at him and make a judgement on him closer to the time.

“But no [he’s not been ruled out for Saturday]. If there is a potential for him to be involved that will be great. If there isn’t, we will obviously be disappointed. But we will give the player every chance.”