Russell Martin wants to see ‘powerful’ Rangers, urges club to ‘build some energy together’ ahead of Genk clash in UEFA Europa League

Martin has had a difficult start to the season as Rangers head coach, coming under pressure after a run of one win in eight games.

But he hopes the weekend’s League Cup quarter-final win over Hibernian will be a springboard for better times ahead.

“This club can be really powerful if it is together and there is belief and identity in the team. The fans haven’t seen enough of that and nor have I.

“I’ve been more frustrated than anyone that we haven’t won more games because it’s a reflection of me and the coaching staff.”

Martin’s position appeared to be under threat after Rangers lost at home to Hearts in the Scottish Premiership to suffer their fourth defeat of the season.

But the win over Hibs provided some relief and Martin wants his side to now “build some momentum”.

“I felt really proud of the team at the weekend because it’s been difficult circumstances for them, but we had a really good week post-Hearts.

“The training was brilliant and I really enjoyed the energy and the feel, which I have enjoyed since. They have really stuck together. I was grateful to them and the performance felt way more like us and how we want to be.

“There have been moments like that but just not consistent enough. We have had so much change but I think Saturday will be really good for us moving forward and now we have another game to try and build some momentum and consistency in what the team looks like, and I am excited about it.”

He is hoping for some more magic as Rangers aim to make their mark on the Europa League.

“I think we can attack it,” Martin said about the competition.

“I know it’s the old cliche of taking each game at a time but I don’t think we are in a position to look too far ahead. It’s about building momentum and being consistent with performances that will allow us to win as many games as possible. Saturday gave us a base. Now we have to build on that.

“We are playing against good teams but the challenge for us is to be ourselves and be the team we want to be whoever we play. When you come to this football club you have a chance to have so many brilliant nights and memories, and this is another opportunity for that.”

Nico Raskin put in a man-of-the-match display on his return to the team against Hibs.

Raskin had seemingly fallen out of favour under Martin as he was dropped from the squad for the Old Firm clash with Celtic and loss to Hearts.

Martin has dismissed the suggestion of a “fallout” with Raskin and says both are keen to move on.

“We have a good professional relationship and I think that has hopefully developed over the last couple of weeks when the window has shut, and there has been some really honest conversation about his role and how he can help the team and how he sees it.

“As far as I am concerned, it’s done, and he is part of the team and he played really well. Hopefully we found a role that really suits him in the team and we can help him produce his best football. Like everyone else, they have to use that to kick on and build momentum with their own individual performances.”

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