Russell Martin turns to two Rangers stars singled out as boss twists for Champions League showdown

Russell Martin turns to two Rangers stars singled out as boss twists for Champions League showdown

It's another quick turnaround for the Light Blues as they look to put in a performance and result at Ibrox against Viktoria Plzen

Rangers have the chance to put things right almost instantly after Russell Martin's astonishing TV blast at the weekend.

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The Ibrox boss called out egos in his squad following another opening day without victory for the Light Blues as they conceded last one to drop points in the season opener at Motherwell.

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The new manager insisted in his pre-match press conference for the visit of Plzen his filleting came from a place of love because he wants his players to do better.

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He insisted it wasn't an attack on any individuals and for him honesty is the best policy and it is something he will use again if it comes to it.

But ultimately, the performance at the weekend was nowhere near the standard Martin has for his team and the fans made that clear at Fir Park as boos rang out from the stands as the whistle went.

That could mean changes from the boss tonight and he may have already hinted at a big clue over two stars that he namechecked for praise from that encounter with Motherwell.

He said: "Lyall Cameron came on and did great because he wants to run really hard for the team.

“I said to some of the guys in there that Cyriel Dessers is the only one we’ve had a bid for and interest in and he comes on and runs so hard, and the same on Wednesday.

“Some of them need to have a look at him and set that example. There will be people left behind if they don’t want to come because they need to really understand what playing for this football club takes and means - and not just when it’s having a nice time."

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Mikey Moore and Oliver Antman are now in the door but the Spurs youngster won't feature in this one due to a UEFA rule on his Under-18 status while the new boss has been handed a major boost with the green light in for the former Go Ahead Eagles man.

At his old club he's trained for over a month, had five training games and a full 90 minutes so is raring to go. He's also been on the grass already with his new colleagues so he could get a quick baptism of fire in what will provide Martin further choices on the wings.

Thelo Aasgaard and Hamza Igamane remain sidelined for the Light Blues and will miss out on the first-leg encounter.

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Findlay Curtis missed out at the weekend, but after his display and goal against Panathinaikos in Govan he could get the nod over Djeidi Gassama.

He has produced twice so far in the Champions League from the bench and that kind of danger coming on late into the game as the opposition start to tire could be a priceless weapon to unleash for Martin and his staff.

Predicted Rangers XI to face Viktoria Plzen

Predicted Rangers XI to face Plzen

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Rangers Champions League squad in full

Goalkeepers

Butland

Kelly

Wright

Thackray*

Defenders

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Tavernier

Aarons

Souttar

Jefte

Djiga

Fernandez

King

Kerr*

Campbell*

Scott*

Hutton*

Caldwell*

Fernie*

Hynd*

Midfielders

Rothwell

Cortes

Barron

Diomande

Bajrami

Cameron

Dowell

Gassama

Raskin

Fraser

Nsio*

Rice*

Adamson*

Wark*

Smith*

McCallion*

Crilly*

Christie*

Article continues below

Forwards

Gentles

Curtis*

Eadie*

Stewart

Danilo

Antman

*Player list B

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