Rangers

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Does Russell Martin need to "swallow his principles" to get Rangers winning on the domestic front?

The Ibrox side have struggled to create against well-drilled defences in starting the Premiership season with successive draws with Motherwell and Dundee as new boss Martin strives to imprint his possession-based style.

"Martin needs to swallow his principles ever so slightly in the short term to get results, to stay in touch and then slowly but surely try and build his way of playing into it," said former striker Rory Loy on the BBC's Scottish football podcast.

"You see against Dundee on Saturday - they were so passive. The ball was moved so slowly. John Souttar had a ridiculous amount of passes compared to some other players on the team, which tells its own story.

"I think Martin needs to take a wee look and go, right, what is the best way for me to get results domestically? It might not be this pass, pass, pass, pass, pass, because they need to keep in touch with Celtic. If they go seven, eight, nine, 10 points behind, they're done."

While Rangers are on course for the Champions League play-off round - they take a 3-0 first-leg lead to Viktoria Plzen tonight - they already trail Celtic by four points in the Premiership, with the Old Firm derby looming at the end of the month.

Scott McDermott, chief football writer at the Daily Record, says the atmopshere at Ibrox after last weekend's draw with Dundee was "toxic".

"They can't implement this change while winning games that they should be winning," he added.

"Let's not beat about the bush, Dundee and Motherwell first two games. It's a kind start for Rangers and they have not won a game yet.

"If this St Mirren game gets postponed by Rangers in the play-off round, their next Premiership game will be against Celtic. If they lose that, and I know it's hypothetical, but to potentially go 10 points behind Celtic by the end of August, I think it's just disastrous for the manager and the fans.

"The fans are really angry. On Saturday, two league games in, it was getting toxic at Ibrox already."

Palmeiras have opened talks with Rangers over a potential £5m deal for left-back Jefte, according to reports in Brazil. (Daily Record), external

Real Betis have confirmed Nobel Mendy's exit from the club is imminent, with the 20-year-old poised for a £2m move to Rangers. (The Herald - subscription required), external

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Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Russell Martin has indicated that Rangers will play their next Premiership fixture away to St Mirren, but says a final decision has not been made.

The Ibrox club have the option to postpone the match if they overcome Viktoria Plzen and reach the Champions League play-off round.

Martin's side hold a three-goal lead going into Tuesday's second leg in the Czech Republic, thanks to a Djeidi Gassama double and Cyriel Dessers' penalty at Ibrox.

Celtic could hold a seven-point lead over their Glasgow rivals if they beat Livingston and Rangers do not play St Mirren, sparking questions as to whether postponement might add more pressure to Martin's side after two opening league draws.

Centre-half Nasser Djiga potentially missing that Celtic visit should the St Mirren match be delayed, following his red card in the 1-1 draw against Dundee last weekend, added more concern.

"No decision has been made either way," Martin said.

"We were told that the option would be there. I think the plan has always been to play the game, if we get through this.

"So it's been flexible but the league table this early on will not dictate what we do with the game, honestly.

"We're not even at the end of August yet. So we'll see, but our league position, the points total and all that stuff will not dictate what we do with the St Mirren game at all.

"At the minute, I expect we'll play it. And if that changes, because of whatever reason, we feel it will help us."

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Rangers head coach Russell Martin has been speaking to the media before the second leg of their Champions League third qualifying round tie against Viktoria Plzen.

Here are the key points from his press conference:

• Mikey Moore, Thelo Aasgaard, and Hamza Igamane will all be ready to play on Saturday, "all being well," but none of the trio will feature in the Czech Republic.

• Martin has "loved the energy" from the players since their 1-1 draw with Dundee on Sunday. He says they will be "better for it" and keep getting "better and better".

• Martin says they "can't get too emotional" about the Dundee result and says it's time to focus and look forward to the second leg against Plzen, into which they take a 3-0 lead.

• If Rangers progress, Martin says no decision has been made on whether to postpone Rangers' league match against St Mirren on Sunday, 24 August, but did say "the plan has always been to play the game".

• The former Scotland defender says the three-goal advantage does not diminish the pressure on his players and insists they will be looking to also win the second leg.

• On Nico Raskin, Martin says uncertainty over the midfielder's future had "an impact", but was keen to praise the Belgian's "character and personality".

• Martin insists he expects Raskin to stay at Ibrox beyond this summer unless "someone comes in and blows our minds".

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Mikey Moore, currently on loan at Rangers, has signed a new contract with his parent club, Tottenham.

The Premier League club say his new deal is a "long-term" contract.

Moore joined Rangers at the start of the month, but has yet to feature under Russell Martin as he has been waiting for international clearance on his loan move.

However, the winger should now be eligible for the Ibrox side's League Cup tie with Alloa on Saturday (17:45 BST) as he turns 18 today.

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Former Rangers boss Michael Beale believes new manager Russell Martin "deserves time" at the Ibrox club.

Beale was sacked by the Glasgow club back in 2023 after falling seven points behind Celtic, having played just seven league games and referred to the atmosphere in Govan as "a cauldron".

This term, Rangers sit four points behind Celtic after two games, with Martin yet to lead his side to a first Premiership win of the season.

However, Beale is confident that Martin, who took over this summer, and the new majority shareholders will be a success at Ibrox.

"In the summer, the club has had a complete reset, and with that it's going to take time for the new owners to really instil the culture they want behind the scenes," Beale told Sky Sports, external.

"It's a huge job but I know he's super confident.

"Russell has a way he wants to play football, it's different to the last coach so give him time to implement that. You've got new players going into what is a huge football club, there are huge demands there, so those players need time to settle.

"The result at the weekend wasn't ideal, but there's a long season ahead. "It is a cauldron, and the fans are very demanding because of the history of the club and what they've seen.

"Also, the journey over the last 10 or 12 years to come back through the leagues. I think what the club's achieved is sometimes overlooked; coming back through the leagues, they won the league, getting to the Europa League final, they have won trophies.

"The club needs stability, the new ownership going in is hugely positive, it will give the club a stable footing from a boardroom perspective.

"The manager deserves time, patience isn't a word that's heard in Glasgow, but that's what he needs".

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Former Scotland international Michael Stewart thinks Rangers could be nearing "implosion" if Russell Martin's side don't show signs of "marked improvement" following their draw with Dundee on Saturday.

Rangers were booed off the Ibrox pitch after the 1-1 draw to leave Martin with two points from his first two Premiership games.

The side had shown signs of promise against Viktoria Plzen last week but have often been unable to replicate their European displays in domestic fixtures.

Speaking to BBC's Scottish Football Podcast, Stewart said Rangers' struggle was down to Steven Pressley's side sitting in as opposed to the openness of Plzen.

"Because Plzen weren't sitting in trying to hold on to a result," Stewart pinpointed as the reason for the poor performance.

"Dundee were defensive, resilient and didn't look to open up their low block. They had three centre-halves who were just lapping up the balls into the box.

"As Russell Martin said last week, Rangers lacked intensity and pace in their play, which he isn't wrong about, but it makes you question what the message was before the game.

Stewart also believes poor recruitment and a lack of leadership within the squad has been the consistent factor in their substandard domestic performances.

He added: "I think it's about big characters and big leaders, which I just don't see in the Rangers team.

"I spoke last week about how they have been building on shifting sands since they went into administration. Maybe other than two years with [Steven] Gerrard but after the first wave of selling on players, there was nothing behind it.

"They didn't recruit well and changed managers constantly. It just seems like rinse and repeat, all these managers come in and say the right things but the actions belittle those words.

"If you're looking for intensity, desire and grit then you have to sign the appropriate players and it doesn't look like they've done that.

"Where are the leaders in this Rangers team?

"The concern at Ibrox is the fans' patience is virtually nil, and if they don't see marked improvement and quickly, there could be an implosion".

Nobel Mendy is pushing for a transfer to Rangers, with Real Betis now in exclusive talks with the Glasgow club to complete an agreement for the 20-year-old centre-half. (Sacha Tavolieri on X), external

Rangers are set to clinch a £3.45m deal for Nobel Mendy after the Real Betis defender opted for a move to Scotland instead of La Liga rivals Rayo Vallecano. (Daily Record), external

Barry Ferguson and his coaching staff were looking to have a Scottish player-focused transfer window if they had landed the Rangers job permanently, according to former assistant Billy Dodds. (Daily Record), external

Read Monday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Cyriel Dessers believes Rangers have to take more risks as the Ibrox side settle for their second successive draw in the Premiership.

James Tarvenier's late penalty meant Russell Martin's men followed up their opening weekend tie with another 1-1 draw, this time with Dundee.

Dessers had the ball in the net in the seventh minute of added time only to be ruled offside, which left Rangers with two points from six and having not won either of their opening two league games for the first time since 1989.

"At this club, you need to win games and to win games, you need to score goals," said the Nigerian striker.

"Sometimes it takes a risky pass to open it up, or maybe even to scare the opponent so next time they don't step through on a midfielder and they stay in position and maybe then you open up the space a little bit more there.

"It's a little bit of belief, confidence.

"There's no time at this club. Not a lot of patience, which everybody knows when they play here and that's okay, that's fine, we're fine with that.

"But somewhere inside yourself, you need to find that confidence and the courage to go out there and do that, make the pass, make the dribble, try the shot, and just to create something for the team.

"I think we showed it at certain moments and then people talk about the European games or the Old Firm games last season. But like I said, it's the consistency.

"Can you do it on a Tuesday and do it again on Saturday and do it again on Tuesday? For me, that's the thing that's the next step for us."

Highlights of Rangers 1-1 Dundee in the Scottish Premiership

We asked for your views on Rangers 1-1 draw with Dundee.

Here is what you said:

Sally: Rangers simply do not have the quality, imagination and skill to break down packed defences. The lack of imagination at free-kicks and corners is only too evident.

Craig: Sadly Rangers still lack killer forwards. The stats tell it all, plenty of passing and possession but can't score.

Josh: The Old Firm will still be first and second in the league come the end of the season. Neither will run away with anything, though, they simply aren't good enough.

Martin: Rangers are perhaps starting to realise that their team is not as good as they were making them out to be. A lot of weaknesses are evident and will need sorting before the gap gets even wider. Celtic could arrive at Ibrox seven points clear which would put an enormous amount of pressure on this Rangers team.

John: Let's agree, Martin was never the man for this seat. If Panathinaikos had a decent finisher we would be played four, won nil. I don't know if he was the cheapest option as manager. If he was, it is false economy. Four games in and the punters are not going to turn up to watch this perpetual drivel.

William: Shocking performance from Rangers, unable to breakdown their defence, no passion or commitment and poor skill levels. What is the manager doing with these players? If they are unable or unwilling to put in the expected level of performance they should be shown the door.

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Rangers manager Russell Martin told BBC Scotland: "I'm disappointed we didn't win the game, disappointed that we conceded a really poor goal.

"There was just general lethargy and no speed in the first half.

"There wasn't enough intent to disrupt them until we went down to 10 men. The mentality was much better in terms of aggression and speed with and without the ball, but it shouldn't take that.

"I'm pleased with the response of the team when we went down to 10 men and we could've won the game in the end but the mentality has to come from the very first kick of the match.

"In hindsight I should've made some changes to inject that energy in the team but I explained my decision before the game and maybe I could've changed that now the game is finished.

"We're learning about the group all the time, so that's a lesson learnt today.

"We have to make sure that aggression is there all the time.

"The fans have lacked the success they want for quite some time so I understand the frustration. I didn't get too high on Tuesday so we're not going to get too low today.

"We're going to give the fans something to cheer about and we will get better and better. We didn't lose today and we will improve, it'll just take some time.

"Nico Raskin was great when he game on, he tackled more than the whole team.

"We need at attack everything, it took us too long to attack the game tonight."

Rangers head coach Russell Martin is still waiting for a Scottish Premiership victory and needed a late penalty from club captain James Tavernier to deny Dundee their first win at Ibrox in 24 years.

Read the full match report here.

Tell us your thoughts here.

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Rangers defender Max Aarons has shrugged off a knock while Thelo Aasgaard and Hamza Igamane are working their way back to fitness.

Mikey Moore is still waiting for international clearance on his loan move from Tottenham.

Striker Joe Westley could make his Dundee debut but Yan Dhanda will have to wait following his loan move from Hearts as he is suspended.

Steven Pressley will make a late call on Simon Murray (knee) while Charlie Reilly (broken collarbone) and Cesar Garza (concussion) miss out.

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"When I heard Rangers were interested, I didn't need that much convincing. I had already pretty much made up my mind."

If Oliver Antman's debut on Tuesday night didn't whet the appetite for Rangers fans, then the attacker's drive to be a success at the club certainly will.

Antman, who signed on Monday from Dutch side Go Ahead Eagles, started the 3-0 win over Viktoria Plzen and assisted Djeidi Gassama on an impressive debut as he slotted in seamlessly.

Speaking before Saturday's Premiership game with Dundee, the Finland international said: "Yeah, pretty crazy, to be honest. I haven't really had time to think about everything.

"Yesterday I had a day off, I could think a little bit about what's happened. But there was stuff to do with apartments and stuff like that, but it's been a crazy few days.

"And pretty much straight away when I came, I had a game to play. So I'm happy that it went well.

"To straight away play in a Champions League qualifier was a big thing for me. I've never played there before, it is a big part of why I'm here.

"I want to create a lot of chances, make a lot of crosses, take defenders on and just create a lot.

"That's what I did in Holland, and that's what I want to do here, more of that."

The 23-year-old is well aware of the standards expected at the Ibrox club, and hopes playing in an environment that demands consistent success will make him a better player.

"I think that will also help me a lot mentally because I have not been in a club where you actually need to win every single game," he added.

"I think it will improve me a lot mentally, and yeah, it's going to be a nice challenge, and I'm looking forward to it."

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Russell Martin says Rangers are yet to receive any bids for Hamza Igamane as the striker strives for full fitness.

The Morocco forward picked up an injury after coming off the bench in the 2-0 home win over Panathinaikos last month - his sole appearance so far under Martin - and has missed time in training due to visa complications.

The 22-year-old was reportedly a target for Lille this summer, but Martin is keen to utilise the dynamic attacker.

"Hamza missed two weeks because of the visa thing [problem] so was behind the group. We've tried to speed up the process so that he's ready to train," said the Rangers boss.

"But he played his first minutes and picked up an injury because the intensity was different. So now we have to get him really ready to perform and not risk being injured again.

"In terms of the speculation, we've not had any bids for Hamza and he's a really good lad.

"He's got on with it and is working hard with his English and everything else. He just needs to get fully fit."

Rangers signed attacker Thelo Aasgaard over a month ago now but the 23-year-old is yet to feature because of injury.

Neither Aasgaard nor Igaamane will be available for the Premiership fixture with Dundee this weekend, nor the second second leg of the Champions League third-round qualifier away to Viktoria Plzen on Tuesday.

"They've both made good steps in the last few days," Martin said.

"They're working hard with the rehab guys, but not ready to be involved with the squad."