Natural born leader

HE was the captain Norwich City knew would always go the extra mile. But never more so than on September 20, 2015 - a date that will forever be etched in Russell Martin's memory.

- By Fraser Wilson

Frankie McAvoy remembers it as clear as day, too. That morning the Canaries skipper embarked on a frantic 500-mile round trip from the team hotel in Liverpool to witness the birth of his son back in Norfolk.

He was then back in time to deliver an equalising goal at Anfield just eight hours later. McAvoy hadn't long been in position as Alex Neil's sidekick at Carrow Road.

But that moment brought home the remarkable dedication, standards and responsibility the defender displayed in both his personal and professional life.

McAvoy saw it on a daily basis at Norwich from Martin the player. A few years later he saw those principles played out in Martin's Swansea when they faced McAvoy's Preston.

It's why he reckons Rangers fans should be excited make that "really excited" - about the appointment of their new manager.

They have a man who sets the highest standards, says former Hearts assistant McAvoy. And never more so than in 2015.

McAvoy said: "That day summed up Russell Martin. From the team hotel he went back to Norfolk, really early. He'd barely slept.