POINT OF HONOUR FOR RUSS

Under-fire Gers manager gets Old Firm draw relief

- By Ronnie Esplin

RUSSELL MARTIN was handed some much-needed respite as Rangers fought for a point in a dismal goalless Premiership draw against Celtic at Ibrox yesterday.

The Gers boss was under mounting pressure after a 6-0 defeat by Club Brugge in the Champions League playoff last Wednesday night which saw them exit 9-1 on aggregate.

The ramifications of defeat against their biggest rivals could have been dire for Martin — but his side were worth a point in a dreadful game, albeit they remain six points behind the Hoops outfit after four league fixtures.

In the 32nd minute of a first half low on quality but high on adrenaline, Gers centre-back John Souttar nodded the ball into the net, only to be ruled offside.

The second half was much of the same with few clear-cut chances or goalmouth incidents, with even the energy and passion failing to mask the poor fare served up in a lunchtime kickoff was bulging with subplots.

Both clubs went into the game on the back of embarrassing Champions League playoff exits in midweek.