Russell's passion & drive was summed up when he made 500-mile round trip for the birth of his son before heading back the same day to score at Anfield

GERS BOSS' CHARACTER WAS OBVIOUS AT NORWICH

- BY FRASER WILSON

HE was the captain Norwich City knew would always go the extra mile.

But never more so than on September 20, 2015 - a date that will forever be etched in Russell Martin's memory.

Frankie McAvoy remembers it as clear as day too.

That morning the Canaries skipper embarked on a frantic 500-mile round trip from the team hotel in Liverpool to witness the birth of his son back in Norfolk.

He was then back in time to deliver an equalising goal at Anfield just eight hours later.

McAvoy hadn't long been in position as Alex Neil's sidekick at Carrow Road.

But that moment brought home the remarkable dedication, standards and responsibility the defender displayed in both his personal and professional life.

McAvoy saw it on a daily basis at Norwich from Martin the player.

A few years later he would see those principles played out in Martin's own Swansea team when they faced McAvoy's Preston.

It's why he reckons Rangers supporters should be excited - make that "really excited" - about the appointment of their new manager.

Above all else, they have a man who sets the highest standards, says former Hearts assistant McAvoy.

And never more so than that Sunday afternoon back in September 2015.

McAvoy told MailSport: "That day just summed up Russell Martin. From the team hotel he went back to Norfolk, really early. Bear in mind he'd barely slept.

"He stayed for the birth of his son - and still got to the game at Anfield that afternoon.

"Not only that, he scored a magnificent equaliser and we got a great draw.