I HOPE RUSS LEARNS HIS LESSON

Davis backs Martin to put Gers on top again

- ANDY NEWPORT

STEVEN DAVIS is confident Russell Martin can come up with a winning formula at Rangers so long as he learns from his failed Premier League experiment.

The 39-year-old is back at Ibrox for another crack at management six months on from being sacked by Southampton.

The bold passing philosophy that swept Saints to promotion via the Championship play-off final a little over a year ago was quickly torn apart by their merciless rivals.

A savage run of defeats cost Martin his job but former Gers skipper Davis is certain the new gaffer will have learned his lessons.

Davis a four-time league winner at Ibrox said: "I'm very hopeful Russell will be successful.

"Ultimately, that's what we all want - a successful Rangers competing for trophies and winning regularly. Hopefully Russell and his staff can bring that to the club.

"He's obviously very straightforward in terms of how he wants to work.

"He's got a philosophy and a culture that he wants to implement. That would be a good thing.

"I've watched quite a few Southampton games when he was manager there.