Stelling stunned by Russell Martin decision amid ‘massive’ Rangers claim
Rangers made significant strides in the UEFA Champions League as Russell Martin’s public outburst bore fruit.
The Ibrox club struggled against Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership at Fir Park on Saturday (2 August), and the Gers’ boss did not hold back.
However, on Tuesday (5 August), Rangers defeated Viktoria Plzen 3-0 in the first leg of their Champions League qualifier at Ibrox.
Martin made some interesting decisions involving his team as the Bears put one foot in the next round.
Jeff Stelling stunned by Martin’s decision to bench James Tavernier
Lyall Cameron was superb for Rangers as Martin got the response he was hoping for.
The 39-year-old made some bold calls in terms of his team selection, with James Tavernier and Nicolas Raskin both benched.
Elsewhere, Oliver Antman impressed for the Ibrox outfit, highlighting the solid business the Gers have done this summer.
While the job is not done against Viktoria, Martin should feel confident heading into the second leg next week.
| Date | Result |
| 21 July | Rangers 1-0 Panathinaikos |
| 30 July | Panathinaikos 1-1 Rangers |
| 2 August | Motherwell 1-1 Rangers |
| 5 August | Rangers 3-0 Viktoria Plzen |
Indeed, the financial rewards are clear for the Glasgow club, as they will net around £20-25million for reaching the group stage.
While live on talkSPORT (6 August, 06:12am), Jeff Stelling and Andy Townsend highlighted the financial benefit for the Light Blues amid the decision to rotate Tavernier.
Stelling said: “He [Martin] made some bold, bold calls beforehand. I mean, [James] Tavernier didn’t start, Nico Raskin didn’t start either, four changes.”
Townsend replied: “Nowadays, Jeff, people are genuinely rotating a lot more, but on the back of that performance the other day.
“I mean, [James] Tavernier, I don’t think anybody has been more regular and consistent than him for years up there, so that was a big call. Maybe they’re just giving him a breather and getting him right for the next league game.”
Stelling: “But, the Champions League is so financially, it’s humungous for Rangers. If they can get to the Champions League league format, if you like, we’re talking tens of millions of pounds, which in terms of any football league is important, in the Scottish Premiership is massive.”
Townsend replied: “It is massively important, yeah. Look, that’s big for them.”
Martin is not afraid to make significant calls at Ibrox
The early days at a football club can define a manager, and it seems Martin is already stamping his authority.
Indeed, the decision to bench Tavernier and Raskin was a bold one, but one that ultimately paid off.
- Danilo, Kieran Dowell, Tavernier, and Raskin were all rotated
- Rangers will advance to the third round of qualifying if they overcome Viktoria
- They face Dundee in their next Scottish Premiership match
Martin will call it rotation, and given the quick turnaround for the Gers, it makes sense that he freshens things up.
Rangers face Dundee at Ibrox on Saturday (9 August) in their next Scottish Premiership clash, where the 39-year-old will be looking for a reaction from his players after the 1-1 draw with Motherwell.
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