Credit: Imago / PLZ Soccer via YouTube

Ben Palmer

Wed 6 August 2025 7:00, UK

Tam McManus was highly impressed by Rangers boss Russell Martin for getting a reaction out of his squad after some damning comments after the draw with Motherwell in their previous game.

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The former Southampton manager is only four games into his career as the Bears’ head coach, but he has shown a willingness to stir the pot.

Rangers were leading Motherwell 1-0 until the 87th minute on Saturday, 2 August, before Emmanuel Longelo scored a late equaliser.

After the game, Martin slammed his side, calling out some of his players for their “ego” and lack of effort.

And heading into a crucial Champions League qualifying match against Viktoria Plzen, Martin made some bold changes to his starting line-up.

Despite scoring against Motherwell, there was no place in the starting line-up against the Czech side for James Tavernier.

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And the same was said for Nico Raskin, who was dropped by the Rangers boss, despite being one of his side’s best players last season.

Whilst both players came off the bench, their absence gave new signings Djeidi Gassama and Oliver Antman the chance to shine.

Nico Raskin’s 2024/25 Rangers stats (Credit: Imago)

The Finnish winger won a penalty in the first half, before assisting the Frenchman for his second goal of the night.

McManus posted on X that he was impressed with the performance after Martin’s post-match comments, saying: “Rangers pretty impressive there.

Fair play to the manager he called the players out, made some big changes and got the required reaction.

Antman & Gassama will cause havoc for full backs home & abroad.”

Football Insider Verdict

First things first, Cyriel Dessers must be the first-choice number nine for Martin moving forward.

Danilo has his moments, but the former Feyenoord man lacks the presence or the ability to contribute in the build-up play in the way that the Nigerian does.

That matters more than ever now, with Gassama and Antman on the wings for Rangers.

Playing around that duo is the best chance that the Bears have of keeping pace with Celtic this season.

James Tavernier may lose his place in Rangers’ starting line-up to Max Aarons permanently.

(Credit Imago)

As for Tavernier and Raskin, their place in the side became a little more complicated by the performance against Plzen.

The English fullback’s lack of defensive ability was highlighted by how calm Max Aarons looked at the back.

And whilst Lyall Cameron was fairly quiet, if Rangers can get a huge fee for Raskin this summer, they may be tempted to cash in, given Martin’s side played so well without last season’s best performer.

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