Martin reveals info he told Findlay Curtis in ‘amazing’ Rangers win v Panathinaikos
Russell Martin got off to a winning start as Rangers boss with a 2-0 victory over Panathinaikos.
Rangers faced the Greek side at Ibrox in the first leg of their Champions League qualifying tie on Tuesday, getting off to the best possible start.
Goals from Findlay Curtis and Djeidi Gassama handed the Gers a vital victory, and they will hope to get the job done in Athens next week.
Martin faced a lot of scrutiny following his appointment at Ibrox, but it was an impressive victory, and one change at half time helped secure the win.
Martin praises Curtis half-time change
Teenager Curtis was handed a start and justified his place as he opened the scoring with a sensational long-range effort into the bottom corner.
This breakthrough came early on in the second half after a tense opening 45 minutes, and Martin has explained how a tactical tweak led to the goal.
Speaking to Premier Sports after the game, Martin praised Curtis and revealed that words said to the youngster at half time changed the dynamic of his performance.
“(Curtis) was great. He started the game a bit nervous, as any 18-year-old fan would, but then he grew into it and got better and better,” he stated.
| Stat | Curtis |
| Minutes | 75 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Shots (on target) | 2 (1) |
| Passes (completed) | 37 (31) |
| Duels (won) | 11 (6) |
“He received too many balls in the first half with his back to their goal, so we gave him a bit of information at half-time, and he took it on, as he has done all pre-season.
“I’m delighted for him. It’s an amazing finish, it was great.”
Martin off to impressive start at Rangers
The scepticism surrounding Martin’s appointment has done him no favours, as it has put him under even more pressure from minute one, but he has handled it well so far.
Rangers have had a chaotic transfer window so far, as despite several players, including goalscorer Gassama, joining, there is still uncertainty over the final third, and Martin has had to adapt.
Getting off to a winning start, in which Rangers played some exciting football at times, will certainly be a relief for the former defender, and this was the best way to get fans behind him.
Handing Curtis a chance was also a positive, and giving opportunities to the best talent in the academy will also go down well with the Ibrox faithful if they continue to deliver like the winger did against Panathinaikos.
All eyes are now on Greece.
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