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Rangers manager Russell Martin defended his decision to start two key players on the bench, as the Scottish giants took a significant step towards the Play-offs of the Champions League with a 3-0 victory on the Czech side Viktoria Plzen.
Djeidi Gassama brought an arm and Cyriel dessers sent a penalty as Rangers crossed a comfortable victory in the first round of standings in Ibrox.
But the big news before the starting shot was the decision of Martin, who exploded his players after the 1-1 tie at Motherwell on Saturday, to eliminate Captain James Tavernier and Nico Raskin from the initial eleven.
The decision seemed to be fruit, but Martin’s side produced a dominant screen ahead of the second stage in Pilsen next week.
And the new head of Rangers supported his decision, insisting that he will need everyone from the squad to play their role.
“I don’t like the word to fall,” Martin said to BBC Sport after the game.
“I told the boys before they are not dropped off the team. We will need everyone (in the squad). People will go out, we need freshness.
“You as the main coach you have to do what best for the night team. The boys who came out brilliantly and that’s all you can ask.
“There is a tendency here that one thing becomes an important thing, but it is not at all. Tonight was the best team.
“I don’t think it is the same week, week outside.”
If the headlines prior to the game largely referred to the players who serve the club, the post-game focus will probably be on the fresh faces in Ibrox.
Gassama, who signed on Wednesday from Sheffield on Wednesday summer, now marked in three consecutive European games, while also a prominent performance by 23 -year -old Oliver Antman.
The Finnish young man provided the attendance for the second and looked at a constant threat on the right side of Rangers.
Martin was pleased with the contribution of his two new signings, but he also praised the entire team for his demonstration.
“I am very happy with a lot (the game),” said Martin.
“I was a little upset with the last 15 minutes, as I thought we were a little too neglected and we had the ball too half in our half. But it is my job to demand the boys.
“It’s really difficult to try to learn a lot of details and apply it with the right intensity and courage, especially after a hard afternoon on Saturday (against Motherwell). So I’m proud of the team.”
