Rangers manager Derek McInnes has defended centre-back Emmanuel Fernandez ahead of Saturday's League Cup semi-final against Aberdeen at Hampden Park.
Fernandez, 25, has started every match for Rangers this season and has been part of a defence that has kept the most clean sheets in the Scottish Premiership. However, the Nigeria international has faced criticism after some high-profile mistakes, including during Wednesday's 2-2 draw with Hearts at Tynecastle.
"I only get asked about Fernandez when he has a poor game. Nobody asked me about Fernandez on Saturday, he was outstanding on Saturday [against St Johnstone]," McInnes said. "Wednesday night wasn't on Manny Fernandez, Wednesday night was a collective. I never get asked about Manny when he does really well and he's been a big part of our better performances this season."
Semi-final showdown
Rangers, who have won three trophies since 2012 but finished the last two seasons without silverware, face Aberdeen in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final. McInnes, who took charge in June, previously managed Aberdeen for eight years and is looking to secure his first trophy with the club after a 3-0 quarter-final win over Celtic.
"To get the first trophy would be so important, reinforcing confidence, reinforcing belief," McInnes said. "Traditionally, semi-finals can be fraught with a lot of nerves and tension and sometimes they're not the best games, because of what's at stake."
Aberdeen have lost three of their past four league matches, including a 1-0 home defeat by Falkirk on Wednesday. Despite their poor form, McInnes warned against complacency, praising Aberdeen manager Stephen Robinson, who won the trophy last season with St Mirren.
"They've got a good, experienced manager in Robbo and they've got some good players, experienced players, in Aberdeen and they'll be relishing the opportunity as well," McInnes added. "People might view us as favourites for it and I understand that but we've still got a game to win and Aberdeen are capable of a big performance. I'm just concentrating on us, if we get to our levels then hopefully it's going to be enough to win the game but a strong 90-minute performance is going to be required, I feel."
McInnes also expressed sympathy for Robinson, acknowledging the pressure of managing Aberdeen. "I sympathise with all the managers, really, who feel that pressure. I've managed the club for eight years up there and it's not always an easy club to manage but they've got a good guy there and a guy who will get it right if given time, I have no doubts about it."
The winner will face either Hearts or Hibernian in the final in December.
