New Rangers loan star Max Aarons vows to repay Russell Martin for taking him under his wing at Norwich City

Daily Mail​

5 hours ago

Max Aarons plans to use his time at Rangers to repay the debt of gratitude he owes Russell Martin for getting his career up and running.
The 25-year-old full-back was an emerging talent at Norwich City when the current Ibrox boss and his right-hand man Matt Gill were mainstays in the team Carrow Road.
Having been taken under their wings, Aarons progressed and went on to join Bournemouth in a £7million deal two years ago.
On the back of a six-month loan deal at Valencia last season, he has now agreed to move to Ibrox under Martin for the coming season.
Determined to demonstrate to his manager exactly the kind of player he's become, he said: 'When I was coming through at Norwich, Russ and Gilly were both huge in my development.
'They gave me little bits of advice and help along the way. Those two believed in me and initially, I believe, kick-started my career at such a young age. They were huge in that.
'That was very important for me having a relationship with a coach. Knowing how they work is huge for any player.
'That was massive (in moving to Rangers) alongside the size of this club. I think everything just matched up perfectly.
'Hopefully, now we can build and have a really, really strong season.'
Aarons joins fellow new boy Lyall Cameron at the club as Martin's new-look squad starts to take shape.
The former England Under-21s player will challenge captain James Tavernier for a starting place in the absence of the injured Dujon Sterling.
And he feels Rangers fans should be excited about seeing him in a Light Blue jersey.
'I can't wait to get going,' said the Londoner, who agreed the move amid interest from the English Premier League and Championship.
'I've got a lot of experience in different leagues and I have played a lot of games.
The Bournemouth full-back signs on the dotted line as Rangers confirm his loan deal
'I think I can bring that experience, I can bring a new energy and I think Rangers fans can be excited. I am really looking forward to it.'
The player feels the pressure of delivering at a club of Rangers' size will bring out the best in him.
'I was speaking with one of my family members last night and I actually said that the pressure of playing for a club of this size is something that really excites me,' he said.
'It was the main thing in coming here. I feel like I play my best when I have that. It's a huge club and you realise that when you walk through the doors. I can't wait to get going.'
Aware that there was a possibility of joining Rangers a few weeks ago, Aarons curtailed his summer plans.
'As soon as I'd broken up from the loan at Valencia, I had a few weeks away,' he added.
'But as soon as I knew the move here could be coming about, I knew all the boys were back in a little bit earlier than what was planned at Bournemouth.
'So, I stepped up the training even though I was on holiday. So, I've come in, fit and ready to go.
'It's about getting fitter now as quickly as possible and getting ready for that first qualifying game and for the season. It's time to step everything up, get to know my team-mates and the club.'
Aarons might well have worked under Martin sooner, but Southampton had a £6m bid to Bournemouth for his services rejected when the new Rangers head coach was in charge at St Mary's last July.
Having remained at Bournemouth, he went to Spain on loan and made four appearances for the side who finished 12th in La Liga.
Martin was delighted to get the chance to work again with the former Canaries kid.
'Max is a player who I have always kept a keen eye on since he was emerging while I was coming to the end of my time at Norwich as a player,' Martin said.
'He is a wonderfully talented player who is hungry to develop, improve and help deliver success for his side. I believe he will be a fantastic addition to the squad.'
It's understood that Rangers don't have an option-to-buy clause built into the loan deal.
The club are still locked in talks with Leicester defender Conor Coady about a move to Glasgow.
Peterborough defender Emmanuel Fernandez is also on the radar, although Posh winger Kwame Poku is said to be leaning towards a move to Queens Park Rangers.