McInnes backs Fernandez ahead of Premier Sports Cup semi at Hampden

Rangers manager Derek McInnes defended centre-back Emmanuel Fernandez ahead of Rangers' Premier Sports Cup semi-final against Aberdeen at Hampden on Saturday, saying the 25-year-old "has been a big part" of their strong displays this season.

Fernandez has faced criticism following several high-profile errors, including during Wednesday's 2-2 draw with Hearts at Tynecastle in the Scottish Premiership. The Nigeria defender has started every match for Rangers this season, and the club have kept the most clean sheets in the league so far.

Addressing questions about Fernandez before the semi-final, McInnes said: "I only get asked about Fernandez when he has a poor game. Nobody asked me about Fernandez on Saturday, he was outstanding on Saturday [against St Johnstone]." He added: "Wednesday night wasn't on Manny Fernandez, Wednesday night was a collective." McInnes also said: "I never get asked about Manny when he does really well and he's been a big part of our better performances this season."

Rangers travel to Hampden to face Aberdeen in Saturday's semi-final, a matchup McInnes described as an opportunity to make his mark after taking charge in June. Rangers have won three trophies since 2012 but finished the last two seasons without silverware; McInnes led his side to a 3-0 quarter-final victory over Celtic at Ibrox. "To get the first trophy would be so important, reinforcing confidence, reinforcing belief," he said, adding: "Traditionally, semi-finals can be fraught with a lot of nerves and tension and sometimes they're not the best games, because of what's at stake."

Despite Aberdeen's recent poor form, which makes Rangers strong favourites to reach December's final against either Hearts or Hibernian, McInnes warned against underestimating Stephen Robinson's side. Robinson lifted the trophy last term when in charge of St Mirren, and McInnes said: "They've got a good, experienced manager in Robbo and they've got some good players, experienced players, in Aberdeen and they'll be relishing the opportunity as well." He added: "People might view us as favourites for it and I understand that but we've' still got a game to win and Aberdeen are capable of a big performance. "I'm just concentrating on us, if we get to our levels then hopefully it's going to be enough to win the game but a strong 90-minute performance is going to be required, I feel."

McInnes expressed sympathy for Robinson amid Aberdeen's recent run of results, noting the Dons had lost three of their past four league matches, including Wednesday's 1-0 home defeat by Falkirk. "I sympathise with all the managers, really, who feel that pressure," he said. "I've managed the club for eight years up there and it's not always an easy club to manage but they've got a good guy there and a guy who will get it right if given time, I have no doubts about it." McInnes also reflected on his own semi-final experience: "I've obviously been to the national stadium quite a lot as a manager. "I've managed St Johnstone, Kilmarnock and Aberdeen in semi-finals and we were never the favourites then but I always felt confident that we could win the game. "So, I'm sure Aberdeen will feel the exact same confidence."

Rangers' next confirmed fixture is the Premier Sports Cup semi-final at Hampden on Saturday against Aberdeen; a win would put them into the December final to face either Hearts or Hibernian.