GASS IS TOO HOT FOR THE GREEKS

Martin praise for lightning-quick Djeidi

- BY FRASER WILSON IN ATHENS

THEY were in a place that's home to some of the world’s most famous ancient ruins.

But Athens last night saw Russell Martin's Rangers rebuild gather serious pace - thanks in no small part to flying machine Djeidi Gassama.

For the second week in a row the lightning quick winger turned on the afterburners just minutes after climbing off the bench to bulge the Panathinaikos net and give Gers breathing space.

The £2.5million signing from Sheffield Wednesday has almost repaid that incredibly meagre outlay in just a couple of weeks.

But, to a man, the Light Blues were excellent.

Resilient in defence, tireless all over the park and clinical when the moment required.

And Martin insists the result in the red-hot environment of the Olympic Stadium will be massive in terms of speeding up the belief and spirit inside his dressing room.

He said: “Oh, 100 per cent from a psychological and spirit and energy point of view, they'll take so much from tonight.

“Tactically and technically with the detail that we were asking from them, the second half was so much better.

“There's still a few mistakes and the pitch was tough at times for them, but they really stuck to it, showed big courage and composure.

“Starting with Jack Butland in the second half, he’s been amazing over the two legs with the ball at his feet in the second half, so much composure, big saves and big performances.