Ferguson has moulded ‘perfect’ summer signing for Rangers – Sky Sports pundit
Rangers have had a strong start to the transfer window so far and it’s not long until Russell Martin will get his first competitive test.
The new Gers boss will come up against Panathinaikos in a Champions League qualifier on Tuesday (22 July).
All eight of Martin’s new signings could feature in the qualifier, with pressure possibly set to pile on the Rangers boss should the Gers come away with a negative result.
Young defender Emmanuel Fernandez could make his first competitive start at Ibrox, with one of Sky Sports’ pundits backing the defender to be a major success in Glasgow.
Darren Ferguson has created the ‘perfect’ signing for Rangers- Gareth Ainsworth
Darren Ferguson’s Peterborough sold Fernandez to Rangers for around £3.5million.
The Nigerian defender has been joined at Ibrox by Nasser Djiga and Max Aarons, but the 23-year-old made the biggest impact in the Light Blues’ 2-2 draw with Club Brugge.
He has now been tipped as the “perfect” signing for Rangers by Sky Sports pundit and Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth.
Speaking to the Daily Record (20 July), Gareth Ainsworth said: “The timing for Manny’s move to Rangers is perfect. I believe he can now go to Glasgow and achieve some fantastic things.
“He has the temperament to deal with whatever comes his way. He is a calm individual and I don’t think there is much that fazes him.
“His time at Peterborough has set him up well, and having worked with Darren [Ferguson, manager] will be a huge advantage – you can’t be a shrinking violet when Darren’s around.
“You need to have a bit of personality and something about you to play for Darren.”
Ainsworth also spoke about how Fernandez spent some time on trial with Wycombe when he was in charge.
Ainsworth said he regrets not signing the then 16-year-old but is glad the defender has found his feet in the game.
Fernandez’s form will spell the end for Davies time with Rangers
If Fernandez continues to impress as he did against Brugge, it could mean that Ben Davies’ time in Glasgow is coming to an end.
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Minutes played |
| League One | 30 | 5 | 2380 |
The defender already seemed to be walking on eggshells at Ibrox after Martin prioritised bringing in defensive reinforcements, but the more recognition Fernandez gets, the more Davies will fall down the pecking order.
Outgoings are almost guaranteed for the Gers in the coming weeks, with the likes of Cyriel Dessers and Hamza Igamane nowhere to be seen during preseason amid links to moves away.
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