OPINION
It is still early into his Rangers spell, but there is certainly more that defender Russell Martin can bring to the side.
Graeme Murty’s side are in desperate need of a vocal leader in their backline and conceding three goals in a 5-3 win over Hamilton recently was shambolic.
The Gers need to improve defensively if they are to fully try close the gap to league leaders Celtic and kick on as a team.
Martin arrived at Ibrox on loan from Norwich in January and was expected to make a colossal impact given his wealth of experience.
The Scotland international has started the last five consecutive league matches for the Light Blues and has shown glimpses that he is a no-nonsense defender.
However, the Gers still look all over the shop at times defensively and he needs to be the senior figure that takes full control of the backline.
Martin is still developing his understanding alongside the highly-rated 21-year-old David Bates and there is the potential for them to make a great centre-back combination.
It was a real eye opener in the Hamilton victory that Rangers look a real attacking force going forward, but could be carved open at the back so easily themselves.
Martin is the senior defender playing in a settled back four and as he continues to settle in the Scottish Premiership he should blossom into a talisman for them.