Russell Martin shares fitness update on deadline day signings, one player out of squad vs Hearts
Russell Martin is a man under intense pressure as Rangers mark their return to action with a home clash against Hearts this weekend.
Rangers played out a 0-0 draw with Celtic last time out to make it four draws from four Scottish Premiership fixtures this season.
Hearts are next up at Ibrox on Saturday and Derek McInnes is out to inflict more misery on Martin, who was only appointed Rangers boss in the summer.
Nico Raskin will play no part for Rangers against Hearts as his recent disagreement with Martin shows no signs of clearing up just yet.
Martin spoke to reporters on Friday morning to provide a further update on team news ahead of the showdown at Ibrox.
Derek Cornelius and Youssef Chermiti updates shared pre-Hearts
Martin used his press conference to confirm the earlier reports that Raskin will not be considered for selection against Hearts.
The under-fire Rangers boss also provided an update on the fitness of deadline-day signings Derek Cornelius and Youssef Chermiti.
Cornelius has joined on a season-long loan from Marseille, while Chermiti signed for Rangers in a surprising £10million move from Everton – £8m of that upfront.
Martin confirmed both men are available to face Hearts on Saturday, adding that he is “happy with the group and the characters” Rangers brought in at the end of the window.
It therefore looks likely that both men could start at Ibrox, with the fresh blood at least giving fans something to get behind.
Rangers’ head-to-head record vs Hearts
Hearts make the trip to Glasgow sitting second in the Scottish Premiership – behind leaders Celtic on goal difference alone – with a record of three wins and a draw this season.
Rangers were 3-1 winners at Tynecastle in the most recent meeting in February, which followed a 1-0 win in their most recent clash at Ibrox.
| Date | Result |
| February 2025 | 3-1 W |
| November 2024 | 1-0 W |
| August 2024 | 0-0 D |
| May 2024 | 3-3 D |
| April 2024 | 2-1 W |
Indeed, the Gers are unbeaten in 18 in this fixture, which is a proud record in what should be a tough fixture on paper.
Should Martin fail to extend that run, it may well be curtains for the former Southampton boss.
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