Panathinaikos vs Rangers: Russell Martin believes win in Athens will help Ibrox players grow

Russell Martin believes Rangers’ 3-1 aggregate win over Panathinaikos in their Champions League qualifier will help the side with the “loads of growing” still required.

The Light Blues went in to the game in Athens 2-0 up from the first leg at Ibrox last week and again had keeper Jack Butland to thank for keeping the visitors at bay until the break.

Filip Djuricic eventually opened the scoring for the dominant Greek outfit with a header in the 53rd minute but, moments after coming on as substitute, Djeidi Gassama, who scored after coming off the bench to make his debut last week, levelled at 1-1 with a stunning drive.

Rangers set up a third qualifying tie against Czech side Viktoria Plzen, who knocked out Swiss outfit Servette.

Boss Martin told Rangers’ official YouTube channel: “I’m so proud of the team, the group and the fans were incredible.

“It was a big night for us, so early on in the process of trying to be the team we want to be.

“I don’t think it can be underestimated how difficult this tie and this night was and, especially after the first half, it was so difficult.

“But I think the players have come through a really tough time and I’m really proud of them.

“And then we have a setback by conceding the goal and then we took the sting out of the game by scoring and responding really quickly, that’s not easy.

“The fans were amazing and they stuck with us throughout and it’s been a really good night and we will get better.

“It’s so early on. There’s loads of growing to do and nights like this will definitely help the players grow.”

Martin was pleased with the resolve he saw from his side.

He added: “They were really together tonight in the second half, especially, and I’m really proud of them for that because we asked for that at half-time and they dug in and they fought and there were some brilliant moments with the boys.

“It didn’t come to enough but there were some big performances and I’m really pleased.

“At this football club, you have to have to be resilient and you have to you show a level of effort and fight and application and desire or you just won’t last very long.

“And they did all of that. So I’m so proud, but it has to be all the time.

“And we have to be relentless with that and there wasn’t enough of it in the first half, so it’s my job to be really proud of the players but to make sure we get better and we will because, as I said, they’ll grow so much from tonight.”