15 hours ago
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Russell Martin has dismissed any suggestion that Rangers will batten down the hatches against Panathinaikos in the soaring heat of Athens.
Leading 2-0 from the first leg of their Champions League second qualifying round tie, the Ibrox side arrived in Greece as favourites to progress to the next stage.
Despite not needing to score on Wednesday night to advance, manager Martin insisted that approaching any game with a negative mindset is simply not his style.
Asked if there would be a change in approach, he said: ‘No. At this football club you have to try to win every single game.
‘I think that has to be the mentality of our team. I don’t believe in going into something trying to avoid something. We try to work towards something rather than work away from it.
‘So, we’ll work hard to try to win the game and we have to be very, very good to do that. I’m looking forward to it.’
Russell Martin's team have 2-0 advantage but he will be going all out for victory in Athens
Rangers manager Martin leads his players out for a look at the Olympic Stadium
Russell Martin tells the media his team will not be taking a negative approach in Greece
Rangers will have to make do without Hamza Igamane and Thelo Aasgaard, with both players carrying minor knocks.
Aasgaard hasn’t featured since facing Barnsley in a friendly at St George’s Park but Martin believes he could make his debut in the Premiership opener at Motherwell on Saturday.
‘We’re hoping so,’ he said. ‘We’ve been hopeful about this game, but he hasn’t quite made it and not through a lack of effort or anything else.
'We have a great medical team and I really trust the work he’s doing, but we just have to wait and see with him.
'We want him fit, he wants to be fit, but he’s not quite made it.
‘It’s so early on in the season, to risk him this early on and risk losing him for more games would be crazy. So, we’ll make sure he’s right.’
Meanwhile, Martin admits he’s an admirer of Tottenham winger Mikey Moore as his parent club prepare to send him out on loan.
Spurs boss Thomas Frank has admitted the teenager will be farmed out next season - without specifically mentioning any clubs.
Asked if a move for the player was imminent, Martin added: ‘I think I’ve said to you all the way along that, as soon as it’s done, you’ll be the first guys to know.
‘There are lots of players we like, lots that we’re linked to. He’s a really good player and, if at any point he becomes a Rangers player, we will let you know.’
Rangers are also set to lodge a bid for Oliver Antman, the 23-year-old Finn who plays in the Netherlands with Go Ahead Eagles.
