Russell Martin reveals timeline for ‘exciting’ new arrivals plus updates on Cyriel Dessers and John Souttar

Head coach expects new faces for Champions League qualifier

Rangers head coach Russell Martin has revealed that he expects new signings to arrive in time for the Champions League qualifier against Panathinaikos next month.

Martin will begin his tenure against the Greek side in the second qualiyfing round of Uefa’s elite competition with the first leg at Ibrox on Tuesday, July 22 following by the return in Athens a week later.

The former MK Dons, Swansea, Southampton boss hopes to hit the ground running and expects his cause to be helped by new arrivals ahead of the European showdown.

Asked by Sky Sports how many ins and outs he is anticipating this summer, Martin said: “I honestly don’t know but I think we’ll have a few [in] before the European game, that’ll be for sure. Everyone is working extremely hard. The bulk of work over the past week or so has been identifying character and talent that we want in the building that can add to this group and add to us culturally and in terms of performance. I’m excited about the people we’re starting to look at, and hopefully will add.”

Martin expects striker Cyriel Dessers to report back for the start of pre-season training on Monday despite reports linking last season’s Scottish Premiership top scorer with a move to AEK Athens.

“The updates will come as and when they are actually real,” Martin said. “At the minute, I’m expecting hom to return on Monday and I’m looking forward to working with him.”

The Rangers boss also confirmed that defender John Souttar will be fit to face Panathaniakos after delaying surgery on a hernia issue until after the Scotland international friendlies.