Hayen vows to end good mate Mart's Euro dream

CLUB BRUGGE boss Nicky Hayen has backed pal Russell Martin to handle the heat at Rangers.

- SCOTT MCDERMOTT

But the Belgian says their three-year friendship will count for nothing at Ibrox tonight as he looks to pile on the pressure by dumping him out of the Champions League.

Hayen and Martin got to know each other in 2022 when both managed Welsh clubs. The Brugge coach said: "I like Russell very much. I was at Haverfordwest County when he was at Swansea.

"I wanted to visit Swansea for two days, which he allowed but we just couldn't find the right date. We then arranged a friendly between the teams.

It was scheduled but then I left to come to Brugge.

"We spoke a lot, texted a lot and stayed in touch. But we never actually met until he came to Rangers.

"We have a really good connection but tomorrow night that won't count.