‘Martin to prove he is right for Rangers within six months’

Former team-mate Steven Naismith anticipates that Russell Martin will have “showed he is the “right man” for Rangers “within the next six months or so.”

The 39-year-old kicks off his Ibrox reign with a Champions League game against Panathinaikos the following month, and Motherwell, on August 2, will be his home ground for his first Scottish Premiership game.

Naismith believes the former Southampton manager will prosper in Glasgow after playing for both Norwich City and Scotland.

“He fits most of the mold,” I believe, adding, “at Rangers, he has been lacking over the years.” His play, which he can break down to dominate possession, is one that he’ll face a lot.

His top priorities are probably his leadership and communication abilities. He has demonstrated in his three previous clubs that he can produce and improve teams.

“I believe he will have demonstrated to many of those who are doubting him that he is the right man within the first six months or so.”

Naismith, the ex-Hearts head coach, added that they regularly communicate and that he promises to be there if Martin needs him.

We frequently converse because we are friends and share similar experiences with coaching and management, the 38-year-old said.

“I’ll be there for him whenever I can.” He is fairly straightforward and focused on what he wants, his style, and his mindset.

He will definitely benefit from his experience playing for the club (on loan in 2018) as he approaches the start of his managerial career at Rangers.

He wants his players to perform certain actions on the pitch that, in Scotland, are immediately challenged from the stands if not playing well.