Rangers manager Derek McInnes has mounted a strong defence of Emmanuel Fernandez ahead of Saturday's Premier Sports Cup semi-final against Aberdeen at Hampden. The 25-year-old Nigeria centre-back has faced scrutiny following errors in Wednesday's 2-2 Scottish Premiership draw against Hearts at Tynecastle. Despite that criticism, Fernandez has started every match this season for a Rangers side that has registered the most clean sheets in the division.
Addressing the focus on Fernandez, McInnes insisted the midweek result was a collective responsibility rather than an individual failure. The manager pointed out that the defender had been outstanding against St Johnstone just days earlier, stating that Fernandez has been an integral part of the team's best showings. McInnes noted that he only seems to face questions regarding the defender after difficult outings rather than when he excels.
Saturday's showdown presents a major opportunity for McInnes, who took charge in June and steered Rangers past Celtic with a 3-0 quarter-final win at Ibrox. With the club having claimed only three trophies since 2012 and completing the past two campaigns without silverware, McInnes emphasised that capturing a first trophy would be crucial for reinforcing belief, despite the tension that typically surrounds semi-finals. Progress would secure a place in December's final against either Hearts or Hibernian.
Although Aberdeen's recent run—losing three of their last four league matches, including a 1-0 home loss to Falkirk—makes Rangers favourites, McInnes warned against complacency. Dons boss Stephen Robinson lifted the trophy last term with St Mirren, and McInnes, who spent eight years managing Aberdeen and has also led St Johnstone and Kilmarnock into national stadium semi-finals, expects their opponents to play with confidence. McInnes stressed that a disciplined 90-minute display will be required to see Rangers through.