Martin is bailed out by Raskin

RUSSELL MARTIN at last enjoyed some positivity as Rangers boss with a 2-0 Premier Sports Cup quarterfinal win over Hibernian on a day of supporter protests against him at Ibrox.

- BY RONNIE ESPLIN

Chairman Andrew Cavenagh had flown in from the United States amid a growing sense of crisis at the club, with disgruntled fans protesting against Martin and chief executive Patrick Stewart outside the stadium before the game and also at the start of the match.

The turning point came when Hibs captain Martin Boyle had a goal ruled out in the 19th minute for handball, with frustrated Light Blues supporters ready to explode in anger again.

Returning Gers midfielder Nico Raskin headed in a James Tavernier corner in the 42nd minute before striker Bojan Miovski added a second in first-half added time with his first goal for the Govan side since signing from Girona.

It took Rangers into the semifinal draw along with St Mirren, Motherwell and the winners of today’s tie between Partick Thistle and Celtic at Firhill.

Many Gers fans had voted with their feet and stayed away.