Russell Martin has repeatedly stated that he is surprised by members of the squad he inherited despite the new faces that have emerged at the start of a new Rangers era.
After being trusted to start left of Martin’s attack in his first competitive game in charge of Ibrox, it would be fair to assume Findlay Curtis belongs in that category.
The 18-year-old made just his sixth Rangers appearance during the Champions League second-round qualifier against Panathinaikos. His second start was only his second.
He “has the character and the athleticism of his team,” Martin said before the game. “He definitely has that talent and talent.”
In a first half where Martin was called “uncomfortable,” Rangers appeared nervy and vulnerable, but Curtis eased the growing tension by demanding the ball, driving inside, and unleashing a stunning strike to end Martin’s rule.
It was the first senior football goal, and former Rangers wide men were lyrical in their resulting lull.
Martin’s Rangers are far from a finished article.
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Curtis almost completely changed the mood and the course of the game at Ibrox despite Martin claiming that the youngster “had some tough moments” in the opening half.
Georgios Vagiannidis received a second yellow card from Panathinaikos six minutes after opening the scoring with a delicate touch and a driving run from the teenager.
With another impressive strike, the Rangers took control of a match that was evicting them in the opening period, and Djeidi Gassama, Curtis’ replacement, sealed a crucial two-goal win.
They are a really good team, Martin said to BBC Scotland, adding that “we anticipated it to be tough.” “In the first half, there were some uncomfortable moments.
The statement, “Perfect result doesn’t tell full story,” is inaccurate.
Curtis was not the only one who worked hard during a challenging opening. Rangers lost control after a promising first few minutes as the visitors lost more chances.
Rangers were only allowed six touches in the opposition box as of the break, compared to Panathinaikos’ 22.
For at least three excellent saves, the hosts had goalkeeper Jack Butland, who was reinstated to the starting lineup after being replaced at the end of last season.
Before taskeding his players with approaching next week’s second leg, which will be broadcast live on the BBC, with “the same mentality and the same willingness to run and more,” Martin praised Butland as an “outstanding goalkeeper.”
Steven Thompson, a former Rangers striker, expressed concern despite a “perfect” first-leg result.
He continued on BBC Sportsound, “Perhaps the outcome doesn’t tell the full story of the game.” Panathinaikos was still a part of the game up until the sending-off.
Have your opinion expressed
What did you think of Rangers’ performance in Martin’s competitive debut?
What did you think of Gassama’s impact and Curtis’ performance? And what about Butland’s response to her sidestepping?
related subjects
- Scottish Premiership
- Rangers
- Scottish Football
- Football
