Criticism aimed at me is fine... only thing I find sad is when I see kids next to their dads sticking fingers up or swearing at me

SAYS RUSSELL MARTIN

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ONE thing you can't accuse Russell Martin of is not having a thick skin.

And, boy, he’s needed it this season.

The Rangers boss has taken more flak than anyone who has ever sat in the Ibrox hotseat.

At Livingston last Sunday, it reached unprecedented levels.

And it wasn't just the fact that after his team scored a late winner, supporters immediately chanted for him to “get to f***".

Before kickoff, while doing his pre-match interview duties, Martin was verbally abused.

It wasn't only adult Rangers fans - it was their kids as well.

And while Martin says he can handle any stick that comes his way, that felt like a new low.

He may actually get some respite in Austria tonight when his side face Sturm Graz in the Europa League.

Only around 1000 visiting supporters are expected to travel as Gers attempt to build momentum after victory at Livi with another positive result.

Irrespective of the outcome, Martin will still get it in the neck after a disastrous start to the domestic campaign.

And he's ready for whatever comes his way. He accepts that things haven't gone to plan.

But when it comes to personal abuse, he is concerned at the example being set to youngsters by some of those dishing it out.

As he reflected on what happened in West Lothian, he said: "I walked straight down the tunnel on Sunday because I wanted the players to enjoy it.