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| <-Page | <-Team | Sun 19 Nov 2006 Hearts 0 Rangers 1 | Team-> | Page-> |
| <-Srce | <-Type | Herald ------ Preview | Type-> | Srce-> |
| Eduard Malofeev | <-auth | MARK WILSON | auth-> | Douglas McDonald |
| 23 | of 120 | ----- Nacho Novo 78 | L SPL | H |
Martin is eager to play his part in long-term solutionMARK WILSON November 18 2006 Lee Martin generated a red card for Robbie Neilson, in addition to scoring a goal, during 90 minutes of mayhem wrought upon Hearts in their last meeting with Rangers. The winger, on loan from Manchester United, would love to repeat such a thrillingly destructive afternoon at Tynecastle tomorrow, but is aware the real objectives at Ibrox will take far longer to reach fruition. Yesterday, though, he predicted that Rangers would be rewarded in the longer-term for their patience in schooling a young side under Paul Le Guen. Sir Alex Ferguson era's of success at Old Trafford has been founded upon youth development and Martin feels the Ibrox club could similarly look back upon this season's difficulties as part of a necessary process. "One year of pain might make for a bigger and better future," said the 19-year-old. "All credit to the gaffer for playing the kids because that is the future. "Young players like myself, Charlie Adam and Stevie Smith have been given a chance at Rangers and I think that's great. There are a lot of youngsters in the team and it will take time for us to learn the game. "But look at the United side a few years back when they were all breaking through. These things take time and I hope the manager is given that time. He deserves credit for what he's trying to do." Martin's infectious tormenting of Neilson resulted in the Hearts full-back shown two yellow cards at Ibrox in August, while his free-kick also provided Kris Boyd with the clinching goal in a 2-0 victory. However, that has proved the high point of his time in Scotland to date, as injuries and loss of form have limited his subsequent effectiveness. Martin, though, feels dealing with the bouts of crisis which have afflicted Rangers this season has improved his understanding of what it takes to succeed at the top level. "I never looked upon Scottish football in a negative way," said Martin, who would be happy to extend his loan beyond January to the end of the season. "The physical side is maybe tougher but I don't think there is a lot of difference between here and England. "I admit, though, that I didn't realise just how big a club Rangers were until I came here. It's something you pick up on very quickly and, in that way, it's so similar to United. Both clubs mean so much to so many people. "There is not a lot of difference between the two and I think that's why the gaffer [Ferguson] wanted me to come to Rangers because of the pressure and the expectations. "I've grown up a lot because what's happened here in just a few months has really opened my eyes. It obviously hasn't gone as well as I'd hoped but it's still been a great experience."  Taken from the Herald |
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