Rangers players needed to hear home truths from Martin, insists Dowell

KIERAN DOWELL has revealed that Russell Martin told his Rangers failures to take a long hard look in the mirror after blowing it at Fir Park — and admitted some harsh truths are maybe what some of them needed.

The Ibrox side drew 1-1 at Motherwell after a James Tavernier opener was cancelled out three minutes from time by Emmanuel Longelo.

Martin claimed his side didn’t deserve a point given the standard of performance and lashed out over egos in the team as well as a lack of mentality and fighting spirit.

Dowell didn’t argue when told Martin had accused players of going into self-preservation mode and stopping looking for the ball when things get tough.

Admitting similar was said in the dressing-room, he admitted: ‘The manager’s been here five or six weeks now and that’s what he’s noticed. It’s not been a successful time for the club and maybe we needed those sort of home truths.

‘It’s not for me to say. It’s the manager’s opinion. He said to us: “Look yourself in the mirror. If you think that was you, have a look at yourself”.’

Asked about Martin feeling hurt by the display, Dowell replied: ‘We all were, but he was right. We weren’t good enough for this club. The quality of players we have, compared to (Motherwell), we shouldn’t be throwing that game.

‘We had a good start and then didn’t put the game to bed. We almost sleepwalked into conceding that equaliser and probably deserved it in the end.

‘They threw a lot more at it. They got a lot more aggressive in the second half and probably should have scored sooner.

‘We didn’t take the initiative to get that second goal. That’s what we have to learn from, fast.

‘It’s not been the most successful period for the club and it’s down to us as players. We’ve obviously had a few managers now and it’s up to us to prove it.’

Rangers fans were angry after the final whistle, but Dowell believes the team can bounce back.

‘It’s a long season, but I definitely understand the frustration. It’s not to say we can’t recover, definitely not.

‘It’s not a big blow. It’s a reality check.’