Nacho Novo believes surprise Russell Martin outcast has big future at Rangers
Several players left Rangers in the summer transfer window, and some who remained have now found themselves on the fringe of the squad.
Russell Martin is currently battling with Nicolas Raskin, with the midfielder left out of the squad in recent weeks.
Kieran Dowell and Nedim Bajrami were left out of Rangers’ Europa League squad, and could find themselves cast aside as Rangers aim to eventually get rid of them.
One of Martin’s outcasts this summer has now gone out on loan, and Rangers legend Nacho Novo has now praised him.
Nacho Novo praises Oscar Cortes after loan transfer
Oscar Cortes was a surprising signing, and the Colombian has already left on loan despite his move to Ibrox becoming permanent in the summer.
- Cortes joined from Lens on loan with an obligation to buy last year.
- The 21-year-old made 21 appearances for Rangers, but they could not cancel the permanent deal.
While the signing of Cortes after his loan has been derided, Rangers icon Novo, who is also a fan of Sporting Gijon, has now praised him after his loan move to the Spanish side.
“A good player. He’s fast, good in one-on-one situations, and a good goal scorer,” Novo told El Comercio.
“I haven’t been able to see him regularly because he’s had some injuries, but I like him. He’s got something.
“I spoke to him once when he was here in Glasgow.
“He’s a very calm kid. I would like to speak to him to tell him he’s joined a very big club and to wish him the best, and that I’m sure he’ll have a good season.
“He’s a bet for the future for Rangers, and I think he’ll succeed at Sporting. He’ll put in a good performance.”
Rangers could make use of Oscar Cortes
Cortes is still only 21, and is versatile enough to play at left wing or at left-back, a position in which Rangers are currently lacking in depth.
With Jayden Meghoma set to return to Brentford next year, Cortes could return as an option at left-back, and one who could bring a lot of attacking flair to the role.
More likely, though, he will try to lock down that left wing spot, which nobody has permanently claimed for years at Ibrox.
He will hope to get game time at Gijon, in the Spanish second division, and perhaps more development could be the key to unlocking his potential.
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