The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Martin tempted by chance to play for ‘huge’ club
New Rangers signing Russell Martin has revealed he turned down offers to stay in the Sky Bet Championship after being tempted by the chance to play for a “huge” club.
The 32-year-old defender has signed on loan for the rest of the season to become Graeme Murty’s fourth signing following earlier temporary deals for Sean Goss, Jamie Murphy and former Hibernian striker Jason Cummings, whose move was confirmed 24 hours earlier.
The 22-year-old striker has joined the Ibrox club from Nottingham Forest on loan until the end of the season, with Rangers having an option to buy the Scotland international.
Meanwhile the 29-times capped Scotland international Martin, who has spent eight years at Norwich, is relishing a fresh challenge after being deprived of first-team action since August.
“I spoke to my agent from the off and it was the one I really wanted to happen, there were offers from the Championship in England as well so I am pleased to get it done,” he said.
“I picked Rangers because of the size of the football club, I think everything it is about, the tradition, the history and the position it is in at the minute and obviously the manager as well.
“I have worked with the manager a little bit before at Norwich but it is just really the opportunity to come and play here in front of this crowd on a regular basis.
“The facilities are amazing and everything about it is huge, it is a huge football club and at this stage in my career to come here really excites me, it is a challenge as well. I hope I can come in and help them, help the manager and keep on progressing.”