I'VE ENJOYED IT

No league win, flak flying and fan protests but Russ upbeat

- ANDY NEWPORT

RELIEVED Russell Martin admits he has taken a perverse joy from his rocky start as Rangers boss.

Now he wants his besieged side to find their own sense of Ibrox elation as they kick off their Europa League campaign.

Under-fire boss Martin succeeded in staring down furious fan protests during Saturday's win over Hibs to clinch a place in the Premier Sports Cup semis.

Around 1500 seething supporters gathered outside the stadium to demand the 39-year-old's sacking, But despite being public enemy No.1 around Govan, Martin insists he's still loving every minute of being Rangers manager.

Now he hopes to see his players warm to the task too as they take on Belgian side Genk tonight.

He said: "Being a head coach or manager of any team or club is not easy.

"There's obviously so many opinions because of the level of interest in this game and how much it means to people.

"I've actually, in a perverse way, enjoyed that as well.

"You have to try and find enjoyment in everything.