'Woeful' Emmanuel Fernandez savaged by Rangers icon as Derek McInnes bristles at growing narrative

McInnes defended Fernandez after Ian Ferguson criticized his performance against Hearts, noting the defender was outstanding in Rangers' previous match.

Derek McInnes has defended Emmanuel Fernandez following criticism from Rangers legend Ian Ferguson over his display in the Hearts match at Tynecastle. Ferguson told BBC Sportsound that the Nigeria international was "woeful" and should have been substituted in the first half, with his poor form affecting the confidence of teammates like centre-back partner Olwethu Makhanya, who rescued a point late on.

McInnes pushed back at what he sees as a selective narrative around Fernandez, pointing out he is only questioned about the 25-year-old after poor performances. "I only get asked about Fernandez when he has a poor game. Nobody asked me about Fernandez on Saturday. He was outstanding on Saturday," McInnes said. He emphasized that Fernandez has a high ceiling and has been a key part of Rangers' better performances this season, while characterizing the Hearts loss as a collective team issue rather than an individual failing.

The, former Rangers manager was speaking ahead of Saturday's Premier Sports Cup semi-final against Aberdeen at Hampden, where he faces decisions across the squad including whether to recall England international Ben Godfrey, who was unused at Tynecastle.