Are Rangers ready to challenge for trophies under Martin?

Russell Martin's Rangers face Motherwell at Fir Park in their league opener on Saturday

Rangers' 3-1 aggregate win over Panathinaikos in Champions League qualifying was undoubtedly an impressive result, one which kick-starts the Russell Martin era at Ibrox.

However, Rangers have been able to get themselves up for big games in recent seasons, both in Europe and against Celtic.

It has been stumbles domestically against perceived lesser opposition that have contributed to their inability to sustain a title challenge.

It is an area they simply have to improve under their new head coach.

The Ibrox side start their Scottish Premiership campaign at Motherwell on Saturday, seeking to back up the Panathinaikos result, but how well equipped are they to challenge for silverware?

Rangers 'still need more' after 'brilliant' Moore signing

Winger Mikey Moore arrived on loan from Tottenham Hotspur on Friday, bolstering an area of Martin's squad that needed addressing.

Kieran Dowell started both legs out wide against Panathinaikos, having struggled to make a meaningful impact since signing from Norwich City in 2023.

Moore, 17, impressed for Tottenham in Europe last season and was encouraged to move to Glasgow by former Spurs and Rangers striker Jermain Defoe.

Martin has no doubts that Moore can make a positive impact despite his tender age.

"I think it's a brilliant signing," the former Scotland defender said. "It will be good for us, good for Spurs and good for Mikey.

"He will definitely add to us as a big option in the forward line. He's a super talent and we're excited to have him.

"If you're good enough, you're old enough and I certainly think he's good enough to help us win games.

"I said that we need people to be desperate to come here and play football and he was that."

Defenders Nasser Djiga and Max Aarons and midfielder Joe Rothwell have gone straight into Martin's starting team, while winger Djeidi Gassama has scored as a substitute in both European matches.

Attacking midfielder Thelo Aasgaard is expected to play a prominent role after signing from Luton Town, with centre-back Emmanuel Fernandez and midfielder Lyall Cameron also arriving, from Peterborough and Dundee respectively.

However, Martin still expects further movement in the transfer market.

"I think we still need more players, for sure," he said. "We need to strengthen a couple of really key areas.

"Mikey helps us a lot because he gives us something we don't have. He gives us another option and real flexibility in the top line.

"I still think there will be players leaving and there will be players joining.

"We have to be really willing and open for that change because I think this club has needed it and now we have to be patient during it to make sure we get the right ones in."

Response to setbacks 'will dictate what we do'

Last season, Rangers lost in the league against Kilmarnock, Aberdeen, Motherwell, Hibernian and St Mirren twice.

They only lost once in four league meetings against league winners Celtic, winning twice, but they finished 17 points behind their Glasgow rivals, due to their slip-ups elsewhere.

This time around, Martin says there will inevitably be disappointing results, but it is about how they respond to those that will determine whether they make progress on the domestic front.

"We're going to try and win the game," Martin said before Saturday's trip to Fir Park.

"And we need to attack it with everything we have. This club demands that every game.

"So we want to start as well as we possibly can. But also, if and when we have a disappointment, and hopefully it won't be tomorrow, but if and when we do, how we respond to that will dictate what we do. Not losing a game of football, not picking up three points.

"But we're going there tomorrow to win the game, to start well, to build on what we did, to play better than we did on Wednesday night. And then the rest will take care of itself."

Martin 'proud' of how squad have dealt with change

Andrew Cavanagh and Paraag Marathe led the Rangers takeover

It's not only on the field where Rangers have transitioned this summer.

A US-based consortium, including the investment arm of the San Francisco 49ers, completed a multi-million pound takeover of Rangers at the end of May, promising a cash injection and a "new strategic vision".

It prompted much excitement among the club's fanbase, with the new ownership bringing hope of a brighter future after winning just one trophy in the past three seasons.

However, as Martin points out, it can be difficult to navigate such change.

"There's been so much change here from the top in terms of leadership, ownership and then a lot of leadership roles here at the training ground day-to-day," he said.

"Then players, then style of play and I think change can often be really, really messy.

"The way the guys are navigating it, I've been really proud of them because it's not easy. So we're trying to build and develop something.

"We have to win whilst doing it. We found a way to do that over two legs.

"And now we have to make sure that we win tomorrow and we improve and we keep improving and keep building."