Rangers manager Derek McInnes has defended Emmanuel Fernandez after the centre-back came under scrutiny for high-profile mistakes, including during Wednesday’s 2-2 draw with Hearts at Tynecastle in the Scottish Premiership. The Nigeria defender has started every match for Rangers, who have kept the most clean sheets in the league so far this season.
McInnes said he only gets asked about Fernandez when the defender has a poor game, pointing out that nobody asked about him after an outstanding display against St Johnstone on Saturday. He rejected the idea that the Hearts result was down to Fernandez, describing Wednesday night as a collective issue, and said the player has been a big part of Rangers’ better performances this season.
Rangers now head to Hampden on Saturday, where Aberdeen await in the semi-finals of the Premier Sports Cup. McInnes, who took charge in June, is the latest manager tasked with improving the club’s trophy return: Rangers have won three trophies since 2012 and finished each of the last two seasons without silverware. They reached this stage by beating Celtic 3-0 at Ibrox in the quarter-finals, and McInnes said getting the first trophy would be important for reinforcing confidence and belief.
Aberdeen’s poor form makes Rangers strong favourites to progress to December’s final against either Hearts or Hibernian, but McInnes is wary of their ability in a one-off game. Dons boss Stephen Robinson lifted the trophy last season while in charge of St Mirren, and McInnes noted that Aberdeen have a good, experienced manager and experienced players who will relish the opportunity. He accepted that people may view Rangers as favourites but stressed that they still have a game to win and that Aberdeen are capable of a big performance, adding that a strong 90-minute display will be required.
McInnes also expressed sympathy for Robinson, with Aberdeen having lost three of their past four league matches, including Wednesday’s 1-0 home defeat by Falkirk. McInnes, who managed Aberdeen for eight years, said it is not always an easy club to manage but that they have a good man in charge who will get it right if given time. He added that he has managed St Johnstone, Kilmarnock and Aberdeen in semi-finals when they were never favourites, but always felt confident they could win, and expects Aberdeen to feel the same confidence.