RUSS: THE MAN WHO TURNED THE TABLES

Professionalism in the face of adversity set Martin apart

- By Scott McDermott

THE Norwich City first-team players sat together having dinner at their pre-season German training camp.

At a separate table was their club captain Russell Martin.

Banished to the reserves after nine years of service at Carrow Road - his team-mates wondered how the Scotland defender would react.

Given how he'd been treated by the Carrow Road hierarchy at that point, Martin would have been forgiven for throwing his toys from the pram.

Inside, he must have felt disrespected and harshly treated.

But Michael McGovern, who was the Canaries' goalkeeper, says Martin's conduct on that summer trip didn't just tell you about him as a professional.

He says it told him everything about Martin's character as a man. And it's something the former Northern Ireland No.1 has never forgot.

McGovern believes the episode towards the end of Martin's career at Norwich is a clear indicator of his own standards. And he's convinced that bodes well for Rangers and their players should Martin become Ibrox gaffer in the next few days.

The 39-year-old head coach is on the verge of being named as Philippe Clement's successor.

And McGovern, who spent two years with Martin in Norfolk, is adamant it would be a good appointment from Gers' new American owners and sporting director Kevin Thelwell.

The former Falkirk and Hamilton keeper was hugely impressed by Martin as a player - and has watched his managerial career closely.