Rangers might have lost the latest Old Firm derby to great rivals Celtic at Ibrox and are still way behind the Hoops in terms of quality as well as consistency, they have arguably shown signs of improvement under Graeme Murty, particularly after early shambles under Pedro Caixinha. Murty’s winter recruits have performed splendidly so far and helped the Gers to script a tiny turn around. However, the future of multiple loanees is still unsorted as the gaffer is still in a discussion whether to tie them down permanently or look for alternatives.
Russell Martin, the 32-year-old England-born Scottish international, has made a strong impact so far since completing a January transfer from Championship side Norwich City. The Scotsman has represented the Canaries regularly since 2010 in both Premier League and lower divisions but lost his place recently under newly appointed boss Daniel Farke. He thus completed a loan move for regular minutes and made an early impression with a series of towering displays alongside young David Bates in the heart of Rangers defence.
His vast experience and leadership traits have helped the Light Blues to maintain a composure at the back and his injury absence in the derby denied them a famous win. His presence was missed throughout the game as the Hoops came back twice from behind in the first-half and scored a dramatic second-half winner despite being down to ten men. Brendan Rodgers, the Parkhead boss, utilized their defensive frailty and gambled Odsonne Edouard upfront which paid off minutes later when the French starlet scored the decisive goal and registered a 3-2 win at Ibrox.
Martin, meanwhile, will be entering the final 12 months of his current contract this summer at Carrow Road and is likely to be chased by multiple Championship outfits for his vast experience in English football. The player, however, has expressed his desire to make his move permanent at Rangers and discussed their objectives of the current campaign.
“I want to be here and there’s still a lot to play for. We have the Scottish Cup and we also need to finish second in the league; it’s as simple as that.”
The Light Blues have a promising centre-back option in form of David Bates but the future of veteran Portuguese Bruno Alves is quite uncertain following an injury-riddled campaign. Fabio Cardoso, the other signing of Caixinha, has slipped down the pecking order at Ibrox and likely to depart this summer.
Although Murty has not made a final decision yet, Martin’s willingness to make a permanent move is indeed a massive boost for the Glasgow giants who are reforming their squad to get closer to rivals Celtic and reconquer the long-lost throne. At 32, the defender is still going strong and fit enough to perform at his peak for a few more campaigns.
The physicality and aggressive nature of Scottish football resemble that of English Championship where the Norwich veteran has performed with distinction. Rangers thus must not think twice to offer him a permanent deal if they truly wish to reignite the title challenge.
