Russell Martin has revealed that neither Asgaard not Igamane have travelled to Athens for Wednesday evening’s Second Leg with Panathinaikos.
“Neither Asgaard nor Igamane are here – they’ve not made it. Cyriel Dessers is however fit and available.”
The new Ibrox Boss was in no doubt that the game presents a significant challenge for his side.
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“This will be a tough game against a good opponent and we have to be ready for it. We have to be better than we were last week.”
With temperature in the Greek Capital as high as 37C, Martin was asked if he was concerned that weather conditions could play a part in the outcome of the tie.
“We had an extremely hot week when we were at St. George’s so that will have prepared us. It’s the same for both teams.”
Despite holding a 2-0 lead from the first leg in Glasgow he is looking to secure a second win in the Olympic Stadium.
“At this football club you have to try and win every single game – and that’s the mentality of our team. I don’t believe in going into a game to try and avoid something. We would have to be very good to win the game – but I’m looking forward to it.
“We have the chance to give our travelling fans a night to remember. Once the game starts it doesn’t feel any different – you have to work out what the opposition are doing and find solutions.”
An attendance in excess of 40,000 is expected on Wednesday evening – but Russell was relaxed about that.
“We have a lot of International players who have played in big games for this football club and I’m really confident we can handle that.
“Panathinaikos didn’t come to Ibrox to defend, hoping to catch us on the counter-attack – they stuck to their game plan. They weren’t defensive in their tactical approach at all. We have to work hard to carry out our own game plan.
“If we get through this tie it will be huge for the club. It was a tough draw.”
Robert McElroy