SOUTT YOURSELF

Martin not irked at star's delayed op

- By Gavin Berry

NEW Rangers manager Russell Martin has revealed it was John Souttar's own decision to delay his hernia operation because he was desperate to play in Scotland's friendly double-header.

Defender Souttar had surgery last week after playing against Iceland — a game in which he scored — and Liechtenstein three weeks after Gers’ season ended.

Ex-Scotland international Martin, however, is confident the 28-year-old will recover in time for the Champions League qualifier against Panathinaikos on July 22/23.

And he hopes to see Souttar joined by several new faces as Gers prepare to ramp up their recruitment drive before the Euro clash with the Greeks.

Martin, whose men return to training on Monday, said: "It's really difficult. John wants to play for his country and so many players, especially at the end of the season, get lambasted for pulling out of games or not going away for international games, for whatever reason.

"So he made a decision. He had a minor injury and was desperate to play for his country, which I admire, so the plan was to get it sorted after it. He's had a minor op and we expect him to be fit for the Panathinaikos game so it hasn't really affected the preparation.”