Russell Martin in searingly honest Rangers address as he talks Raskin, protests and reveals Cavenagh hug

The boss has been facing major pressure after a winless start to the Premiership campaign

Russell Martin insists he has no regrets over banishing Nico Raskin despite the midfielder's man of the match return to action as the under fire boss addressed fan protests.

The Rangers gaffer is under increased pressure with thousands gathering outside the ground before the Premiers Sports Cup quarter final win over Hibs to demand he is sacked.

CEO Patrick Stewart is also in the firing line - but on the park his team got a much-needed win in front of watching chairman Andrew Cavenagh as they booked a day out at Hampden and a spot in the semi-final draw by dumping Hibs 2-0 in the Premier Sports Cup last eight.

The returning Raskin headed home superbly from a corner before summer signing Bojan Miovski got off the mark for his new club minutes later in a quick-fire double before the break to take some heat off Martin and his backroom team.

The boss was delighted with the performance hailing it as the one he's enjoyed most since taking over the top job.

He also had his say on the Raskin saga that has been in the headlines while revealing what happened on the whistle with club chief Cavenagh while he also addressed the mass fan protests.

On Nico Raskin

"I thought he was really, really good. The role he played in really suits him. Free him up a little bit and I thought Dio [Diomande] enabled him to do that as he played with real discipline. He was excellent and Connor [Barron] when he came on. It is not an easy position to play. Really, really pleased with Nico and he brought everything he should to the team. He was great.

"I said yesterday in the press conference, maybe it was a necessary thing for this team, this club, the players and Nico as part of his growth and part of mine. Maybe it was a necessary thing to happen, then he can come in and do that.

"There is so much that goes on at a football club - especially when the transfer window is open - that we can't talk about.

"But it is all done and dusted. We have a good relationship I think, honest. That is all you can ask for.

"He played brilliantly today and I hope that can be the catalyst for him and the team that we can really move forward and build on this."

On the fans

"I hope they enjoyed the performance today and the win. I thought they were great actually. I said to you before, I can't control any of it. At the start of the game it was there but as it went on they were fantastic and gave the players what they deserved.

"It is not about me. In this city at the two clubs there is so much onus on the manager.

"Probably not like many other clubs in football but it is not about me. It is about the players and it has become about me, not through my choice. But we need to keep working really hard.

"We need to build on today and if we can play like that more often with the courage to take the ball, intensity and aggression with so much more to come, then we just need to win football matches and hopefully they will go with it."

On Andrew Cavenagh

"He was really happy. He gave me a hug and really enjoyed the performance. I am sure now we will have a sit down and a chat."

On the win over Hibs

"It is the performance I have enjoyed the most since we have been here. We could have scored a couple more.

"There is loads to work on so that is what is exciting. We put in a good performance, it could be a lot better but some really brilliant football played and really outstanding individual performances. I am really proud of the players.

"They've stuck together this week and all of the staff as well. I am really proud of them and really grateful for what they have done for me today."

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