RANGERS boss Russell Martin got the response he was looking for in their Champions League qualifier with Viktoria Plzen.
Now he’ll be hoping to build on that 3-0 win with victory against a depleted Dundee side at Ibrox on Saturday.
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He was absolutely furious with his players in their opening day 1-1 draw with Motherwell last week.
Martin accused some of “self-preservation” and needing to “drop their egos” in an astonishing blast after the game at Fir Park.
There were questions around whom in the dressing room those comments were aimed at.
He made big calls against Plzen on Tuesday as captain James Tavernier and arguably Rangers best player last season Nico Raskin dropped to the bench along with Kieran Dowell and Danilo.
In came Jefte, Lyall Cameron, new signing Oliver Antman and Cyriel Dessers and the quality of the performance was stark, vindicating Martin’s decisions.
Oliver Antman and Djeidi Gassama terrorised the full-backs, Cameron added energy in the middle of the park, Aarons looked more comfortable at right-back and Dessers linked up play well upfront.
Martin will be expecting more of the same against a struggling Dundee side on Saturday evening.
Steven Pressley’s outfit lost 2-1 to Hibs in their Premiership curtain raiser and pressure is already mounting on the Dark Blues boss after a disappointing Premier Sports Cup campaign.
Pressley, who replaced sacked Tony Docherty in June, admits his squad is far short of where he would like it to be after 12 players left in the summer, including Cameron.
Dundee last emerged victorious at Ibrox back in 2001 with goals from Claudio Caniggia and Steven Milne in a 2-0 victory.
What time does Rangers vs Dundee kick off?
- Rangers take on Dundee on Saturday, August 9
- The match kicks off 5.45pm UK time.
- It’ll be held at Ibrox.
What TV channel is Rangers vs Dundee on and can I livestream it?
- Rangers vs Dundee is live on Premier Sports Player/Premier Sports 1
- Coverage starts at 5.15pm – half an hour before kick off.
Team News
There are no fresh injury concerns for Rangers boss Russell Martin but new signing Thelo Aasgaard and striker Hamza Igamane have missed the last few games with knocks.
Dujon Sterling is a long-term injury and isn’t expected back until the new year.
Dundee will be without star striker Simon Murray who has a knee injury in a further blow to Steven Pressley’s hopes of taking something from the encounter.
Midfielder Charlie Reilly has a broken collarbone and isn’t expected to return until the end of the month.
Latest odds
Rangers 2/13
Draw 15/2
Read more on the Scottish Sun
Dundee 18/1
*Odds from oddschecker correct as of Thursday, August 7 11am
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
