IT'S A TOTAL RUSS JOB

Martin backed for Gers as he closes in on appointment

- By Blair Esson

RUSSELL MARTIN is closing in on the Rangers job and fans have been urged not to write him off.

The former Scotland star has overtaken Davide Ancelotti as the Ibrox frontrunner amid speculation the Italian is on the brink of withdrawing from the job hunt.

Ancelotti was set for a final interview with Rangers' new owners this week, but his name is again being strongly linked with Serie A club Como.

Martin was sacked six months ago by Southampton after one win in 16 Premier League games.

But Scotland keeper Angus Gunn insists Gers supporters are wrong to dismiss Martin as damaged goods.

Asked if they should look beyond Martin's nightmarish previous campaign, Gunn said: "Yes, I think so.

"It's hard to compare a promoted team going into the Premier League with a team like Rangers going into European games.

"I think, as a manager, he showed what he can do, not only with Southampton but with Swansea as well.