Hugh Keevins, the revered voice of Scottish football, has weighed in on the burgeoning impact of Ibrox manager Russell Martin, highlighting a distinctive leadership style that promises to reshape the landscape of the Scottish Premiership.

Martin’s philosophy, often characterized as a bold embrace of challenge rather than retreat, suggests a determination to dictate his own destiny. This audacious approach is already garnering significant attention, prompting speculation on whether it will prove to be a masterstroke or a moment of folly for the Govan club.

The early days of Martin’s tenure at Ibrox presented an unprecedented test, with the new boss facing a match of immense magnitude in Europe before even navigating a single domestic fixture. This initial burden, a rare challenge for any manager, speaks volumes about the immediate pressures he was tasked with overcoming.

While European encounters, such as the recent fixture against Panathinaikos, provided a stage for Martin to test his tactical acumen, the true measure of his impact will be seen in the domestic arena. The ease of overcoming a less challenging European opponent, though a welcome win, does not diminish the intensity of the upcoming Scottish challenges.

Now, having successfully navigated that initial European hurdle, Russell Martin finds himself in a powerful position to exert considerable pressure on Celtic. This influence can be both an unintentional byproduct of his team’s performance and a deliberate strategy to unsettle their Glasgow rivals.

The impending clash at Ibrox on August 31st looms large, poised to be a pivotal moment in the early season narrative. Should Celtic emerge victorious from their Champions League draw and subsequently defeat Russell Martin’s side in this crucial encounter, it would undoubtedly amplify the pressure on the Ibrox boss, turning his bold approach into a potential crucible.

Conversely, a strong performance and result for Martin’s team in that fixture would send a clear message, signaling his intent to disrupt the established order and assert Rangers’ dominance. This high-stakes encounter will undoubtedly be a defining moment for the Ibrox manager as the Scottish Premiership season unfolds.