49ers are as big a deal as my move to Rangers in 86

GRAEME SOUNESS believes Rangers' American takeover is the biggest thing to hit Scottish football since his own arrival in 1986.

- KEITH JACKSON

And the man who revolutionised the Ibrox club almost 40 years ago has backed new boss Russell Martin to help the owners topple Celtic from the summit of the domestic game.

Souness spoke at Hampden yesterday as he helped launch Premier Sports' coverage of the new campaign - and instantly threw his weight behind Martin's decision to axe skipper James.

Tavernier and midfield star Nico Raskin for Tuesday's Champions League win over Viktoria Plzen.

Russell's iron-fisted approach to running his dressing room has struck a chord with Souness who laid down the law during his own time at the helm.

And he believes the recent handover of power to Andrew Cavenagh's consortium might be the club's most significant moment since his own appointment.