The play-maker was on loan at Birmingham City last season leading to speculation he could return to St Andrew’s this summer
Kieran Dowell of Rangers(Image: Pete Summers/Shutterstock)
Russell Martin has defended Kieran Dowell after the former Birmingham City loanee’s introduction to Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Dundee was booed.
Rangers were losing 1-0 when Dowell replaced Mohamed Diomande, 11 minutes into the second half at Ibrox.
While it is not clear whether it was the appearance of Dowell, or the departure of Diomande that prompted the reaction, Gers supporters expressed their dissatisfaction at the change.
Martin’s side, who were held to an opening day draw with Motherwell, managed to snatch a point with James Tavernier’s stoppage time penalty – and the whole side was booed off.
Martin admitted he understood the full time reaction but was less happy about their response to the Dowell switch.
“That surprised me. I’m not on any social media or anything like that, so I don’t really know what the narrative is around Kieran. I don’t think it helps him, I don’t think it helps the rest of the guys. That’s how I feel about it really.
“I’m disappointed for Kieran, because what we’ve seen at the training ground and I speak to everyone there, he’s really valued as a person and a character. And he’s played out of position for us for three games.
“He’s a really good footballer, so I don’t know what’s gone on before. We’re just judging everyone off a clean slate.
“He tries, trains like an absolute beast, which I don’t think some people have come to this club and been bought for a lot of money and I don’t think they have done that.
“He did a good job for us because we trust him to bring a certain level of intelligence out of position and he’ll want to help his team.
“Especially with that reaction, that takes some character and personality. I hope Kieran gets a chance to show what he can do.”
Dowell looks as though he will have a role at Rangers this season, having been sent out on loan to Blues last term, where he made a largely good impression as Willum Willumsson’s form stuttered.
In all he made 25 appearances and scored five goals leading to speculation he could return permanently this term.
However, he has been a regular for Martin so far and Blues have signed Marvin Ducksch and Kanya Fujimoto and Jay Stansfield operated behind Kyogo Furuhashi in the 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town.
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