Rangers manager Derek McInnes has challenged Super Eagles defender Emmanuel Fernandez to produce his best performances consistently after backing the Nigerian to become even more influential for the Scottish giants this season, Soccernet.ng reports.
Fernandez enjoyed an impressive debut campaign at Ibrox following his arrival from Peterborough United last summer, winning the Rangers Player of the Year award.
Despite joining amid significant expectations, the 24-year-old quickly established himself as one of Rangers' key players, contributing six goals in 33 appearances across all competitions while helping the Gers mount a title challenge.
Although Rangers ultimately fell short in their pursuit of the Scottish Premiership crown, Fernandez's performances earned widespread praise and strengthened his growing reputation both in Scotland and within the Super Eagles squad.
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With the new season fast approaching, McInnes believes the Super Eagles defender still has another level to reach.
Rangers boss backs Emmanuel Fernandez for bigger role
Speaking to Rangers View, the Rangers manager admitted that both Fernandez and striker Youssef Chermiti arrived at the club carrying heavy expectations because of their transfer fees and profiles.
“Both of them are relatively young, and they came with a lot of expectations on them with the price tag and the kind of profile,” McInnes said.
The Rangers boss stressed that while every player is expected to deliver success immediately at the club, younger players also require time to develop.
“I'm pretty sure when you speak to these lads and everybody who signs for Rangers, they should all have that kind of inherent feeling that we're here to win things and be successful.
“But there's also, at that age, a development process.”
The 55-year-old acknowledged that Fernandez showed glimpses of his immense quality last season but challenged him to perform at that level more regularly.
“I think both lads, at their best last season, showed their real quality.
“And the challenge for them and for me is to get their best more often.
“When they are on top of their game, both have got so much to offer at both ends of the pitch, and I think that hopefully we can see that.”
Bigger responsibility awaits Super Eagles defender
Fernandez's debut season proved he possesses the attributes to become one of Rangers' leaders at both ends of the pitch.
His aerial dominance, defensive composure and knack for scoring important goals made him one of the club's standout performers despite their failure to lift the league title.
With another season of experience under his belt and expectations continuing to rise, the Nigerian defender will now be expected to take on even greater responsibility as Rangers seek domestic success and a strong European campaign.
The upcoming season could also prove crucial for Fernandez's international ambitions, as he's been tipped to become the club's captain following James Tavernier's exit, although he has interest from Borussia Dortmund and French side Rennes.
Having already broken into Eric Chelle's team, consistent performances in Scotland could strengthen his chances of becoming a regular figure under the Franco-Malian tactician ahead of Nigeria's preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations and the next World Cup qualifying cycle.
For now, though, McInnes' message is clear: the potential is there, but Fernandez must now deliver it week in, week out.
