MINCE AND REPEAT

Same old Rangers but Martin didn't make excuses with his withering assessment of latest opening-day flop

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NEW season, same old Rangers. Different manager, a few different players - but the same outcome on the Premiership's opening day.

And, let's be honest, their fans have come to expect it now.

Drop league points on day one, allow Celtic to steal a march at the top of the table and struggle to mount a genuine title challenge after that.

It's like Groundhog Day for these long-suffering supporters.

But at least on Saturday, after their woeful 1-1 draw at Fir Park, there was one key difference to previous years.

Afterwards, there were no excuses made by the manager. No protection of his players.

In the last two seasons, when Rangers got off to a stuttering start under Michael Beale and Philippe Clement, both gaffers claimed there were mitigating circumstances.

There was no panic, the team was backed with an ill-advised promise of better things to come. That certainly wasn't the case in Lanarkshire at the weekend.

Instead, new boss Russell Martin decided to eviscerate his squad.

He labelled them as egotistical, workshy prima donnas who are experts at self-preservation.

You could only admire the manager for his honesty.

It might be early to call out certain individuals within a group which has become riddled with failure.

But what other choice did he have? Also, unlike Beale and Clement, Martin told the fans what they wanted to hear. What they HAD to hear.

But the huge question now is, will he back up his threat?

The former Southampton boss is adamant that those who aren't with him will be left behind.

Which should make his team selection for Tuesday night's critical Champions League qualifying first leg against Viktoria Plzen fascinating. Because if some big name under-performers aren't cutting it, drop them.