Rangers

Jack Herrall
BBC Sport Scotland

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Rangers head coach Russell Martin has been speaking to the media before the Premiership game with Dundee on Saturday.

Here are the key points from his press conference:

• Martin wants his players' attitude to continue to improve with "a bit more learning and a bit more development".

• Tottenhman loanee Mikey Moore, 17, is still unable to play as there are "a lot of protocols" to go through as he is under 18 and deemed a minor by Fifa. Martin is hopeful he can be ready for Tuesday and Martin says the issue will be solved soon as Moore's birthday is next week.

• Martin's starting line-up for the home game against Viktoria Plzen was leaked on social media on Tuesday afternoon, but he doesn't think anyone inside the club would do it "to intentionally hurt" them.

• "It's not ideal, it is what it is, but I'm not going to lose sleep over it" was his message to the players on the leak, adding that it is part of the modern game now.

• The club are "not finished yet" in the transfer market with Martin saying they will look to add to the squad in "the next few weeks".

• After demanding an improvement from his side, Martin says it was good for them to "feel" a positive outcome on Tuesday against Plzen and then have a solid showing, as it gave them a chance to analyse where they can still improve.

• The head coach says the squad's challenge now is "to do it again tomorrow".

• Seeing "character before talent" is of great importance to Martin, who says talent will only get players so far: "You need a level of talent to reach this building, but then it's all about the character you are going to add to the group."

• On this weekend's opponents: "I like a lot of the stuff Dundee are trying to do. They played well against Hibs and were unfortunate."

• Oliver Antman impressed on his debut, with Martin now hoping to see consistency in the Finland winger's game: "He has set a standard early on."

• Hamze Igamane is still returning to fitness after picking up a "small" injury in his first game, with Martin adding the club are "building him back up to avoid any injuries. He is a great lad and just needs to get fully fit." Thelo Aasgaard is also "not quite ready".

• Rangers are unbeaten in their past 17 meetings with Dundee in all competitions (W14 D3) since a 2-1 league defeat in November 2017 under Graeme Murty.

• Dundee have lost each of their past 19 away games at Rangers in all competitions, a run that began in 2001. Only against five sides have Rangers ever won 20+ consecutive home matches in their history, most recently an ongoing run of 21 against Dunfermline from 1999 to 2021.

• Rangers drew 1-1 with Motherwell on matchday one but haven't failed to win both of their opening two matches of a Scottish Premiership campaign since 1989-90 under Graeme Souness (lost to St Mirren and Hibernian).

• In their opening-day defeat to Hibs, Dundee managed just two shots, their fewest in a Scottish Premiership home game since October 2018 vs Celtic (2). The Dark Blues did, however, win three of their final five away league games last term (L2), as many as across their 17 matches prior.

• Joe Rothwell has recorded three assists across his past eight league appearances, with each assist coming from a set-piece (2 for Leeds, 1 for Rangers) – the midfelder created the joint most chances (3) of any Rangers player against Motherwell, including his assist via a corner for James Tavernier.

Real Betis centre-half Nobel Mendy has to make a decision between Rayo Vallecano and Rangers after both clubs agreed personal terms with the 20-year-old, who is expected to make a quick decision. (Sacha Tavolieri on X), external

Former interim Rangers manager Barry Ferguson has warned Russell Martin about a "Rangers mole" leaking the team's starting line-ups. (Daily Record), external

New England Revolution have submitted an offer to Maccabi Tel Aviv for 21-year-old forward Dor Turgeman, who is also being considered by multiple European clubs, including Rangers. (Luca Bendoni on X), external

Read the rest of Friday's Scottish Gossip

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Rangers legend Graeme Souness has backed Russell Martin's scathing reaction to the draw with Motherwell on the opening day of the Premiership season and says it bears similarities to Jock Stein's managerial methods with Scotland.

After strongly criticising some players' attitudes following the late concession at Fir Park, Martin dropped captain James Tavernier and midfielder Nicolas Raskin for the midweek 3-0 win over Viktoria Plzen in Champions League qualifying.

"I think it would be wrong to judge him," said Souness.

"I know he was upset by the performance at the weekend and he's put a marker down very quickly that this is not acceptable, and that's how it should be.

"When you work for a giant like Glasgow Rangers, every team you're playing is a cup final. Rangers do not play easy games, and I think that's what he was trying to say."

Martin spoke of players having to "drop their ego" after the Fir Park slip-up and subsequently used Tavernier and Raskin as second-half substitutes in the win over Plzen.

Souness recalls being on the end of criticism when Stein similarly targeted senior players during his Scotland tenure.

"I liken it to when I was captain of Scotland and I worked under Jock Stein," he said.

"Jock Stein would always pick out Kenny [Dalglish] and I. He left the younger guys alone and sort of made the point of, if I can get after them, I don't need to speak to the younger ones, that message has already got to them.

"So I think there's nothing wrong with that. He's said this my level and nothing other than my level is acceptable. I think that's a good thing."

Souness is confident Rangers' new American ownership group will transform the fortunes of the club, pointing to their experience with Leeds United as a positive.

"I think this is all about the bigger picture for the new owners," he added

"I think the noises and their actions are suggesting they know what they're doing.

"I think the fact of this is not the first rodeo in terms of being involved in soccer, it's not a case of will they get it right, it's a case of when they get it right."

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We asked for your views on whether or not Rangers should let Cyriel Dessers go this summer.

Here's what some of you said:

Scott: Dessers has the mentality to be a Rangers striker, even if he does miss some absolute sitters. He reminds me a little bit of Andy Cole at Manchester United (showing my age) – he works hard for the team and gets a lot of stick for it in the bargain, but he is so resilient. The other strikers are just here for the ride. When the going gets tough, time and again we've seen them go missing.

Colin: Dessers is bang average if you wish to be kind. Not a top quality striker and better needed if Rangers are to go forwards this season.

Mike: Dessers should stay. His movement and awareness is second to none in the Rangers squad. Wish I could say the same about Mohamed Diomande. Keeps giving the ball away in the wrong places and is not a patch on Nicolas Raskin. Lastly why did Russell Martin sign Max Aarons? He is absolutely dreadful.

Ian: We have got to keep Dessers because he knows how to score goals and leads the line brilliantly, and we must keep Hamza Igamane as well.

Steve: Dessers needs to stay, a number nine with that many goals has got to stay. Who are they going to bring in at this late stage who will score more? Enough said. Love him or hate him, he is good enough for Rangers.

Bill: Dessers certainly showed himself to be a good target player for linking play, neither Igamane or Danilo can do this. However, Rangers need to get back up and stop messing around. Otherwise we are again going to fall short.

Rangers have held talks with Real Betis centre-half Nobel Mendy and are vying with Rayo Vallecano to sign the 20-year-old who had a £3.5m transfer to PSV Eindhoven fall through and has also received interest from Club Brugge. (El Desmarque), external

While Rangers head coach Russell Martin and sporting director Kevin Thelwell are keen on Real Betis defender Nobel Mendy, there is a long way to go before a deal is reached. (Daily Record), external

Rangers have joined the race for 23-year-old Arsenal goalkeeper Karl Hein, who spent last season on loan to Real Valladolid, with Sevilla also in the mix. (Dominik Schneider on X), external

Read Thursday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Club Brugge look in good shape for a potential Champions League play-off with Rangers after winning away at RB Salzburg.

Striker Romeo Vermant got across his man to steer home an excellent delivery from Bjorn Meijer on 74 minutes for the first-leg's only goal.

Rangers are in a very strong position to progress to the final hurdle before the league phase of the tournament after a 3-0 victory over Czech side Viktoria Plzen on Tuesday.

If Russell Martin's side complete the job against Plzen, they will be at home in the first leg of the play-off, which is scheduled for 19 August.

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Rangers defender John Souttar insists he will continue to give his all for the club despite uncertainty surrounding his future.

The 28-year-old joined the Ibrox club in 2022 but has now entered the final year of his deal.

When asked about Souttar's contract situation following Rangers' 3-0 win over Vikoria Plzen on Tuesday night, head coach Russell Martin said the centre-back's deal "will be dictated by John, his agent and the hierarchy".

The Scotland international says he is happy at Ibrox but would not give any indication over his future.

"Look, I love this place. I love this club," said Souttar, who captained Rangers in Tuesday's win over Viktoria Plzen.

"I love being here. That's really all I'll say on the matter. I've not really heard much recently, so all I can do is train hard every day.

"Every day I step on the pitch, I enjoy playing for the Rangers because I know how special the club is to play for.

"Every time I step on the pitch, I give it 100% and I'm sure the rest will take care of itself.

"Look, whatever happens, will happen. All I can say is, every time I pull on that jersey, I'm honoured, and that will never change. Every time I step on that pitch, I'll give everything."

Alasdair Lamont
BBC Sport Scotland Commentator

Rangers delivered their best performance and result of Russell Martin's short tenure on Tuesday night to give themselves a terrific chance of progressing to the Champions League play-off round.

It wasn't without its scares or mistakes, but the players looked like they were getting a firmer grasp on what the head coach is trying to achieve and how he wants to achieve it.

It would take a real calamity in Plzen next week to prevent them advancing a step closer to the Champions League proper, though far sterner obstacles lie in wait in the shape of RB Salzburg or Club Brugge.

Oliver Antman immediately offered a new dimension to Rangers' play and was instrumental in creating the second and third goals.

With Djeidi Gassama providing a different but no less effective threat on the other flank, all of a sudden there is a much better balance to Rangers' attacking play.

Add to that the emerging talent of Mikey Moore and the craft of Thelo Aasgaard, once he returns to fitness, and you can see Martin's squad is beginning to take shape.

Lyall Cameron showed he could have a significant role to play this season, while Nasser Djiga looks more comfortable with every passing game.

That said, I still feel like a naturally left-sided centre back would be a better partner for either Djiga or John Souttar.

And though Jefte showed he is a better option than Max Aarons at left-back, Rangers need competition in that role for the Brazilian assuming Ridvan Yilmaz has no future at the club.

Dundee at home on Saturday should give Rangers the opportunity to build on Tuesday's success and further improve the fluidity and cohesion of the new playing system.

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Former Rangers winger Peter Lovenkrands on BBC Sportscene: "This was a better performance, this is what we're expecting to see from Russell Martin. Rangers made Viktoria Plzen look average. I can't see them going over there and throwing this away.

"Martin will be delighted after this. He took a gamble and a chance but he's proven tonight that it's worked.

"I love how Djeidi Gassama attacks the back post. It's great wing play and [Gassama and Oliver Antman] together look like they can make a fantastic partnership if they keep playing like that.

"Gassama will have so much confidence now. The more he is on the ball, the more chances he will have.

"Antman looks fantastic and has a bundle of pace. It is so hard for the defenders when there's pace like that."

Former Rangers midfielder Andy Halliday on BBC Sportscene: "Rangers are in a transition, but we can see what they've been working on.

"I was so impressed with Antman. You can already see why he got so many assists last season. He doesn't just drive it into the box, he tries to pick players out and what we saw in the second half.

"Antman had everything. His work rate was excellent and he did a great job. Gassama is direct, quick and great one-v-one. He was a constant threat and caused defenders a lot of problems.

"Mikey Moore will be involved in the rotation of the wingers. It's a very exciting time for that area of the pitch just now."

We asked for your views on Rangers' three-goal first-leg win against Viktoria Plzen.

Here's what some of you said:

David: Magical performance, the wide men were different class and Cyriel Dessers up top deserves praise as well. Looking forward to bringing this sort of momentum to our league games.

Tom: So pleased to see the defence altered and looking less wide open. This allowed midfield to go forward and they did that more quickly until the last quarter. Hope we will see less back and sideways passing from now on. Front three were fast, threatening and clinical. Can't wait to watch them again.

Gazza B: Great result and certainly one foot in the last qualifying round. Intensity, quick passing, wingers with speed with an end result made such a difference. Special word for young Lyall Cameron, who I thought worked hard throughout. Need to ensure we take that intensity of play into league performances.

Billy: What a difference! Great result for Rangers and two brilliant wingers. There is potential here. Gives you hope.

Graeme: Some really good football, especially going forward and the wingers staying wide made a huge difference. However, when the players got tired towards the end the tippy-tappy football could have cost them. Still caught on the ball too often at the back.

Former Rangers players Peter Lovenkrands and Andy Halliday hail much-maligned striker Cyriel Dessers' influence on the Ibrox side.

The Nigeria forward scored a penalty and provided an assist in Rangers' three-goal first-leg win against Viktoria Plzen in Champions League qualifying.

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Rangers striker Cyriel Dessers replied "no" when asked if head coach Russell Martin's comments gave the side extra motivation to perform.

"I think you need this motivation always," he told BBC Scotland.

"And I think he said it at the weekend as well, it's easy to have this for European games and Old Firm games, but you need it every time because there are no easy games in the Scottish Premiership, so we need to pick up our levels there as well."

Rangers winger Oliver Antman: "It was great, a great atmosphere in a great stadium.

"I think we played some great football and at the weekend we have to continue this."

Rangers head coach Russell Martin told BBC Scotland: "I'm really happy with a lot of it. A bit annoyed with the last 15 minutes since I felt we had the ball too much in our own half, but that's my job to be demanding of the guys.

"I think from Saturday to today, they took everything on, amazing energy at the start of the game, and real moments of quality actually.

"It's really difficult to learn a lot of detail and apply it with the right intensity and courage all the time, especially after a tough afternoon on Saturday, so I'm really proud of the team."

On the omissions of James Tavernier and Nicolas Raskin: "I don't like the word dropped. I said that to the guys, you don't get dropped from the team, we're going to need everyone.

"People are going to come in, people are going to come out, so we need that freshness.

"It's not easy to drop anyone, especially players that have been really important to this team over the last however long, but the decisions are all difficult, one is not tougher than the other.

"You have to do what you think is best for the team to win on the night and, to be fair, they've come on and played brilliantly.

"I know there's a tendency up here for one thing to become a big thing really quickly, and it's not at all. Tonight was the best team, and Saturday will be a different team again I'm sure."

Were you at Ibrox or following the match elsewhere?

Either way, we want your views on Rangers' three-goal first-leg win against Viktoria Plzen - send us your thoughts.