On-loan Rangers star Russell Martin may miss the Old Firm derby at Ibrox through injury.
On-loan Rangers defender Russell Martin is reportedly a doubt for Sunday’s Old Firm clash against Celtic at Ibrox, but could his absence prove to be a blessing in disguise?
The Sun have reported that 32-year-old Martin is facing a race against time to prove his fitness after being rested by Graeme Murty last time out in the 4-1 Scottish Cup win over Championship side Falkirk.
But it appears that the Norwich City loanee may now miss Sunday’s clash against Celtic too, as he looks to overcome the injury prior to Murty announcing his squad.
However, without Martin, Rangers could benefit as Martin has been somewhat of a liability at the back since his move north of the border from east Anglia despite an impressive start.
Martin has been largely inconsistent, starring against Hearts and even finding the back of the net as well as solid displays against Aberdeen and Partick Thistle in which Rangers kept a clean sheet.
But Martin was appalling in the 5-3 win over Hamilton, gifting the Accies their second with a poor clearance before David Templeton scored as well as conceding a penalty late on for Dougie Imrie to smash home.
Murty may be forced to pick veteran Bruno Alves after the Portuguese ace started against Falkirk alongside David Bates, but that could prove to be more effective than using Martin in what would be his first Old Firm encounter.
Bates and Alves both have prior experience of facing Celtic and Murty may find a silver lining in what will be considered bad news – if Martin is to indeed miss Sunday’s all-important showdown.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
