Former England captain Terry Butcher believes Super Eagles defender Emmanuel Fernandez has what it takes to overcome his difficult start to the new season and rediscover his best form at Rangers, Footynaija.com reports.
Fernandez enjoyed a sensational debut campaign at Ibrox last season, winning Rangers’ Player of the Season award and earning a place in the PFA Team of the Season.
However, the 25-year-old has struggled to reproduce those standards at the beginning of the 26/27 campaign, with his performances attracting criticism from some Rangers supporters.
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Rangers boss Derek McInnes also challenged the Nigerian defender last week to improve his concentration, application and overall performances.
But Butcher, who enjoyed a distinguished career with England and Rangers, believes Fernandez can respond positively to the criticism and show why he was such an important player for the Scottish giants last season.
“It will be a big test of character for Manny, because he’ll now understand a little bit more of what’s expected of him at Rangers,” Butcher said, as quoted by The National Scot.
“But you’ve got to carry that all through the season. So he’s got another eight, nine months that he’s got to hit those standards.
“I’m sure he will get better. He’s got the attributes and it’s just the players around him that he needs possibly help from, some support.”
Butcher also backed McInnes to get the best out of the Super Eagles star, highlighting the Rangers manager’s ability to work closely with his players.
“But he’s got a good manager who is top when it comes to one-on-one leadership and man management, so I wouldn’t have any worries about that. It will happen.”
Fernandez will now hope to silence his critics by returning to the level he displayed last season, with Rangers counting on the highly talented Nigerian defender to become a key figure in their pursuit of success this campaign.
