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Rangers have been praised for retaining the services of “unbelievable” Emmanuel Fernandez in the summer transfer window.
The Scottish heavyweights enjoyed a major upturn in form before the international break, with defender Fernandez playing a key role.
Nigeria international Fernandez helped Rangers win six matches on the spin including two victories over bitter rivals Celtic in September.
He was linked with a move away in the summer, with The Herald claiming Borussia Dortmund and West Ham United were vying for his signature.
However, former Rangers defender Kirk Broadfoot says the club made a “big” decision keeping hold of the strapping centre-back.
In quotes carried by The Herald, Broadfoot said: “What have I made of Rangers’ defensive options? Obviously good, because they’ve played Celtic at Parkhead, and got a clean sheet.
“I think a big one was keeping big Fernandez, keeping him here. He looks like an unbelievable player. I just think he’s an all-round athlete. He’s good on the ball. He’s very good in the air. He’s confident.
“He can probably do what he wants in the game, to be honest. He is the type of player that people look for. An athlete, big, good on the ball, good in the air.”
Fernandez and Makhanya partnership receives praise
Broadfoot also hailed the budding defensive partnership between Fernandez and Olwethu Makhanya, who joined Rangers from Philadelphia Union in July.
The pair helped Rangers keep five clean sheets in those six games before the international break, with Falkirk the only side to breach them in that run.
Asked if he thinks Fernandez and Makhanya complement each other, Broadfoot added: ”Yeah, they do. The two of them look well to be fair.”
Rangers are looking to pick up from where they left off against Celtic last time out when they entertain Kilmarnock in the Premiership on Saturday.
Derek McInnes’ side are currently second in the league and just two points behind Celtic, who lost their final three games before the international break.
Rangers will be hoping Nicolas Raskin, who has recently represented Belgium in the Nations League, can sparkle over the next couple of games.
Like Fernandez, the midfielder was linked with a move away in the summer transfer window but ended up staying with the Gers.
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