Dowell insists there's time to put it right - as Martin slams Gers' weak mentality

THE point was a bit lost on Kieran Dowell in the Fir Park press room.

- BY SCOTT MCDERMOTT

As the Rangers midfielder sat, looking shell-shocked by their woeful display at Motherwell and subsequent filleting from gaffer Russell Martin, he was trying to be positive about their ability to recover.

He was being quizzed on how big a blow the opening-day Premiership slip-up could be to their title hopes, even this early in the campaign.

Quite rightly, he insisted they have plenty of time to put things right.

But in the wake of scathing criticism from the manager over their attitude and mentality, Dowell then referred to two years ago.

On the first day of the 23/24 season, Michael Beale's Rangers side lost 1-0 to Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.

By October, he'd lost his job and was replaced by Philippe Clement. And the Belgian somehow galvanised the group to mount a title challenge.

So Dowell was claiming it can be done. But here's the rub. Ultimately, in control of their own destiny, Rangers couldn't get over the line. They threw it away.

Dropped points to Motherwell, Ross County and Dundee gifted another championship to Celtic.

And that weak mentality is EXACTLY what Martin was talking about after their draw in Lanarkshire at the weekend.

As Dowell tried to look for a positive spin, it only reminded fans of the negative mindset that has riddled this club for far too long.

He said: "I understand their [fans] frustration but it's a long season. So it's not to say we can't recover, definitely not.