RUSSELL MARTIN’S had to calm his anxious MUM and reassure her he’s on top of the Rangers job.
Martin’s only occupied the Gers hot-seat since June 5.
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But he’s already guided them to the colossal Champions League play-off against Club Brugge, with the first leg at Ibrox on Tuesday.
However, the ex-Light Blues and Scotland defender has come under fire from Rangers fans for abysmal domestic performances.
Four points have already been dropped in the Premiership as well as a far from convincing Premier Sports Cup win over part-time League One outfit Alloa Athletic.
Elements of social media flak, especially, has been brutal on Martin – with his mother Kerry fearing for him.
But the former MK Dons, Swansea City and Southampton boss has been quick to allay her worries and those of other family members and friends.
Martin – just seven games in charge – said: “I have a lot of people message me who read message boards and stuff who are concerned about me.
“And they just don’t have to be.
“So I keep telling my mum ‘Don’t worry about it, it’s all good. I’m enjoying it.’
“I appreciate the honour of managing this club every day and the gratitude I feel for that.
“So let’s have that in the building.
“I said to the staff as well, so many of them support the club – but I think they’ve lost a bit of joy of being here and working here.
“Let’s understand how big this is and how brilliant it could be and focus on what we can control.
“And that is playing with so much energy tomorrow and really feeding off it.”
Martin already knew the size of Rangers – and his Euro nights at Ibrox have been everything and more for him in terms of excitement and atmosphere.
Each time he led the side to big qualifying wins over Panathinaikos and Viktoria Pilzen which set them up for progression away from home.
Now it’s the biggest test yet for his team which is still in flux, with new signings – left-back loan capture Jayden Meghoma from Brentford is expected to be in the squad – still finding their feet.
But Martin doesn’t want apprehension or trepidation within the dressing room confines – only exhilaration and a desire to grasp a wonderful opportunity.
He said: “We’ve been here just under two months now, seven weeks, wherever it’s been, and I’m more excited than ever really.
“I think you have to roll with the punches here for sure, and I think early on we understand we were going to have a bit of pain to go through.
“We have to win while we’re going through some pain.
“So we’re into this round which is a huge opportunity to qualify for one of the best competitions in world football.
“I really believe we can do it.
“When you come to this club, you have a chance to have experiences and moments you just don’t get at any other football club.
“And tomorrow night can be another night like that. We’re realistic. We have to improve in so many areas.
“But let’s look at the opportunities that are ahead of us and what we can go and achieve and what it could look like in a month’s time, in a week’s time.”
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Martin said of new signing Meghoma: “I think he’s going to be registered in time for tomorrow’s match. He trained yesterday.”
Striker Cyriel Dessers is fighting a desperate battle to shake off a leg injury and Martin said: “Big Cyriel is probably the only concern.
“If it’s not tomorrow, we expect him to be back for the weekend and next week.”
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Martin, meanwhile, insisted much talked about midfielder Nico Raskin is back in his plans after not featuring in the weekend squad.
He also shot down rumours of the Belgian making a transfer request.
The Gers boss said: “The only reason he wasn’t in the squad on Saturday was for a rest.
“He is going to be really important for us. He will play tomorrow night.”
On the want-away whispers, Martin added: “No, I’ve not heard anything.
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“Not at all. He’s been brilliant.
“I’m pretty sure Kevin and Patrick would have told me.”
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