Rangers v Celtic: Russell Martin retains support of Rangers board ahead of Old Firm derby

Russell Martin will remain in the Rangers dugout for their game against Celtic this weekend despite growing calls for him to be sacked.

STV Sport understands that the head coach retains the support of the Ibrox board despite a humiliating 6-0 defeat to Club Brugge.

Supporters chanted for Martin to be removed during and after the game on Wednesday night in Belgium.

It comes after a banner was left at the gates of Ibrox which read: “Get him out now, before the seats are empty”.

Martin joined Rangers as a permanent replacement for Philippe Clement in the summer.

It has been a disastrous start with three back-to-back draws in the Premiership and a 9-1 aggregate loss in their Champions League play-off.

They go into Sunday’s Old Firm derby already six points behind Celtic.

Speaking after the defeat in Bruges, Martin said: “It’s probably the toughest night I’ve had as head coach/manager.

“But it doesn’t change the fact that I think we can get this place going, we can get the team going.

“And as I said, progress and move forward and grow, and we have an opportunity to really do that, to feel everything tonight that comes our way and accept it, because we have to with a manner of defeat, and then we have a chance to really show some character and some growth and some personality and desire on Sunday.”

Rangers v Celtic kicks off at 12pm on Sunday, August 31, at Ibrox.