Trip just the Conic

MARTIN 'Good thing to step away’

- BY RONNIE ESPLIN

RUSSELL MARTIN has defended his decision to take his Rangers squad for a walk up Conic Hill and a dip in Loch Lomond on Monday.

The team-bonding exercise came following the 2-0 defeat by Hearts at Ibrox on Saturday which left Gers nine points off the Premiership lead after just five fixtures.

Under-fire Martin, who will be subject of a fans’ protest before today's Premier Sports Cup quarterfinal against Hibs at Ibrox, claimed the day out - which didn’t go down well in all quarters of the Gers support - was always in the plans for some stage.