‘Consistent’: Russell Martin praises Rangers ace Declan John

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Rangers left-back Declan John has been superb since moving to Ibrox.

Rangers defender Russell Martin has told the club’s official podcast that left-back Declan John’s hard work at Auchenhowie is the reason why he continues to shine in a Light Blue shirt.

A left-sided midfielder at Cardiff, John has worked hard in training to improve the defensive side of the game which in turn has seen him become one of the first names on Murty’s team sheet – and now Ryan Giggs’ Wales team sheet too.

Martin, on loan from Norwich City, spoke highly of John when asked about the young Gers ace. He claimed that John was one of most consistent performers in Murty’s side, and believes his work on the training ground has been key.

He also reckons captain Lee Wallace will struggle to regain his place in the side after the former Hearts defender continues to fight against injury.

“When I played against him at Cardiff, he was on the left wing,” Martin said. “But he can do both [left-back], he’s athletic enough. Defensively I think he’s got much better. That’ll come with games, he’s been working on it in training every day.

“He wants to learn, he’s got a really good attitude. He accepts when he’s made a mistake, he’s a young player. I don’t what he was like before I came in, but his level of performance has been very high. You talk, he listens.

“He’s been one of our most consistent performers, alongside Tav [James Tavernier]. This club should have competition in every position, the skipper will appreciate how well Dec has done, but he’ll have a real desire to get back in.”

The 22-year-old moved to Ibrox last summer on a season-long loan before Graeme Murty made his loan a permanent one in January, with the Wales international’s Cardiff City contract expiring at the end of the season.

He is expected to start once again as the Light Blues of Rangers face the Dark Blues of Dundee at Ibrox on Saturday, with Neil McCann’s side likely to be in buoyant mood after earning a 0-0 draw against Celtic on Wednesday night.