RUSSELL MARTIN was proud of the togetherness his team showed as they progressed in the UEFA Champions League qualifiers tonight.
A 1-1 draw away to Panathinaikos saw Rangers into the third round of qualifying with a 3-1 aggregate score, and Martin says the difficulty of the tie was not to be underestimated as he praised his players for rising to the challenge.
Speaking to RangersTV at full-time, he said: “I am so proud of the team and the fans were incredible.
"It was a big night for us so early on in the process of trying to be the team we want to be, and I don't think it can be underestimated how difficult this tie was.
“Especially after the first-half it was so difficult, but I think they have come through a tough time, and I am really proud of them.
"We had a set-back by conceding the goal but then we took the sting out of the game by responding and scoring really quickly which I am so proud of because it is not easy.
“The fans were amazing, and they stuck with us throughout and it has been a really good night. We will get better it is so early on so there's loads of growing to do and nights like this will definitely help the players grow.
“They were really together tonight in the second-half especially, and we asked for that at half-time and they dug in, they fought and there were some brilliant moments but there were some big performances, and I am really pleased.”
On what it meant to progress in qualifying, Martin continued: “I think it is huge, it guarantees Europa League, so it is fantastic, but we want to attack the Champions League now and it gives us a license to go and do that.
“It sets us up nicely and hopefully builds the confidence for the players and hopefully the fans feel proud and connected with their team.
At full-time, supporters were singing Martin’s name from the stands, and he hopes it is just the start for this squad and supporters.
He continued: “It is a huge honour, I am extremely proud to lead this team out anywhere and to come here and to do that tonight was amazing.
"To hear them at the end I am so grateful, so I hope they are starting to feel connected to the team and what we are trying to do because we want to give them a team that gives absolutely everything for them.
“I am convinced we will do that and hopefully we will all grow together. If this club has energy and momentum and everyone is feeling good about what we are doing, then we can be so powerful and hopefully this is just the start.”