Russell MartinImage source, SNS
Image caption,

Russell Martin says fans understand what he's trying to do at Rangers

Champions League play-off second leg: Club Brugge v Rangers

Venue: Jans Breydel Stadion, Bruges Date: Wednesday, 27 August Time: 20:00 BST

Coverage: Listen on BBC Radio Scotland Extra & Sounds, follow live text coverage on the BBC Sport website & app

Russell Martin insists "everyone is really calm" and Rangers are "moving forward" as they prepare for their crucial Champions League play-off second leg against Club Brugge.

The Scots go to Belgium trailing 3-1 on aggregate against the backdrop of three draws in Martin's first three Scottish Premiership matches in charge.

His side have come in for criticism since his summer arrival, with a disastrous first half at Ibrox last week almost putting this tie out of sight.

"I only have a problem if the owners start turning to me or Kevin [Thelwell, sporting director], and at the minute everyone is really calm," said the former Rangers defender of the pressure he is under following a slow start.

"Everyone understands, inside the building, that we want to win things this season and we're like three league games in, so nothing is lost.

"We're actually still in every competition that we're vying for. We'll have a chance in every competition. The minute I let [the noise] affect me personally will be a big problem for all of us."

Rangers are six points behind league leaders Celtic already, and both results and performances have left fans unhappy.

However, Martin saw signs of encouragement in the home loss by Club Brugge last week, despite his team going three goals down inside 20 minutes.

"This game is very much alive and the tie is very much alive in our eyes," he added.

"The guys ran more in the last game against Brugge than they have done for pretty much two years at this football club. They're willing to run for us, they're willing to work for us.

"At the minute, we have a little bit of inconsistency in selection, trying to find a rhythm, trying to find a way, but things will settle down very soon.

"The fact they're willing to run so hard for us as a group and for each other suggests to me that it's going to be OK and we're going to move forward."

Martin was also keen to stress the fans he has interacted with have understood the size of the task ahead for Rangers, despite the furious crowd reaction at the full-time whistle in Paisley on Sunday to their 1-1 draw.

"Every fan I've bumped into has been great and really understands that club needs something now," he said.

"The frenzy sometimes, and the ups and downs, and the highs and lows and the real gap between those, sometimes has dictated probably the decision-making of the football club and I don't think it's helped it.

"It's my opinion, and I think it's the opinion shared by most of the people inside the club.

"I'm really enjoying it despite the frustration at the moment we all feel, supporters and coaches, staff and players. We'll just keep working to be better and give everything we've got and I think that's all you can ever do."-

Team news

Striker Hamza Igamane did not train or travel with Rangers on Tuesday and his departure from Ibrox seems imminent.

However, Martin described Cyriel Dessers as "good to go" after the Nigeria international missed the last two games with a knee injury.

Left-backs Jefte and Ridvan Yilmaz have departed the club in the last week, while Oliver Antman and Jayden Meghoma were taken off at half-time against St Mirren.

What they said

Club Brugge head coach Nicky Hayen: "I expect a team that has nothing to lose anymore.

"A little bit like in the second half [at Ibrox], that they go all in, that they go full. They'll try to score as quick as possible to come again in the game. And this is something that we have to be aware of, that we want also the players that we have to be there from the first whistle.

"And we're going to play our game like we did over there, try to score that goal. And of course, it's what you said, the results are not in his favour."