Martin can’t wait for clash with ex-Canary pals Laff and Naisy
Rangers new boy Russell Martin is already itching to face Hearts – a chance to face former Norwich City team-mates Steven Naismith and Kyle Lafferty.
The Scotland centre-back is a close friend of Naismith in particular and both were deemed surplus to requirements by boss Daniel Farke at Carrow Road this summer.
Naismith was tipped for a loan move to Ibrox but gaffer Graeme Murty instead decided to snap up Martin.
Now the ex-Gers striker has ended up at Tynecastle where he’ll be reunited with Lafferty after their City stint.
And Martin can’t wait for a duel with the pair when Rangers face the Jambos on February 24.
He said: “Steven will be great at Hearts, he’s a good signing. I‘ve got massive respect for him both as a footballer and as a person. We’ve dragged each other through the last few months at Norwich because he has been in the same position.
“We’ve kept each other sharp with banter. I also left as head tennis champion so I’m glad about that.
“I don’t know who else wanted him but it’s great that he’s back in Scotland.
“He’s a proper Rangers fan, he loves the club. He left in difficult circumstances but it hasn’t changed him one bit.
“And playing against Steven will be difficult. He’s a bit of a rash, isn’t he?
“Going up against him and Kyle will be interesting but I’m looking forward to it because we know each others’ game so well.”