Rothwell's ready-made for Martin's Rangers revolution

TONY MOWBRAY believed he was getting a kid with Premier League potential when he lured Joe Rothwell to Blackburn.

- By Andy Newport

But the former Celtic gaffer reckons Rangers have now secured a midfielder who’s ready-made for Russell Martin’s new style at Ibrox.

The 30-year-old becomes Martin’s third new addition of the summer after agreeing terms with Gers.

Mowbray, inset, was the man who signed Rothwell for Rovers in 2018 after spotting the burgeoning talent that would one day lead the daring dribbler to England’s top flight.

After four years at Ewood Park, Mowbray’s prophecy was fulfilled as Rothwell joined Bournemouth in the top division.

And now his old boss is predicting big things again as Rothwell signs up to Martin’s Rangers revolution.

The ex-Manchester United trainee has worked with the new Ibrox gaffer before, helping Martin’s Southampton team to play-off promotion joy in 2024 during a six-month loan from the Cherries.

But it was another impressive stint with Championship winners Leeds last year which has convinced Mowbray that the youngster he signed in 2018 has blossomed into the all-rounder Martin can build a team around.