I keep telling my mum.. Don't worry about it - it's all good. I'm enjoying it!

Martin on 'rolling with the punches' at Ibrox

- BY ANDY NEWPORT

IT'S taken Russell Martin just eight weeks to learn that lately at Ibrox, glasses haven't been so much half empty as bone dry.

The wells of optimism that were filled by the club's summer takeover have already seeped away on the back of a stuttering start to the Premiership campaign and a string of underwhelming displays.

And yet, here Martin and his men stand just 180 minutes away from toasting a place in European football's top tournament and a £40million payday.

You'd hardly know it given some of the pessimistic groans that have been rumbling around Ibrox in recent days. The negativity surrounding his team has been almost impossible for the Rangers boss to ignore. Jeez, he's even his mum Kerry on the phone to check if he was okay.

Thankfully for Mrs Martin, her boy is coping just fine.

While others around him might be struggling to see the bright side, the Ibrox gaffer is drinking from a glass that is brimming with excitement at the possibilities ahead.

"I think you have to roll the punches here for sure," said Martin ahead of tonight's Champions League shootout with Club Brugge.

"We understand we were going to have a bit of pain to go through but we have to win while we're going through some pain. So we're into this round which is a huge opportunity to qualify for one of the best competitions in world football.

"I really hope we give the lads enough belief that we can do it. I know that tomorrow night the supporters will definitely do their bit for the team. It could be a really brilliant night.