Martin follows Ferguson's path

Jobs in Govan can now be measured in mere hundreds, rather than the tens of thousands when Sir Alex Ferguson served his apprenticeship in the shipyards. So Lee Martin should be grateful that the Manchester United manager fixed him up with the most prestigious local employer of all.

The teenage left-winger has joined Rangers on loan until the end of the year to develop his game more than sitting on the Old Trafford bench could do. Ferguson's own playing career was pockmarked with failures to command a regular first-team place and perhaps that lay behind him allowing the 19-year-old to be tutored by Paul Le Guen.

Ibrox is close to Ferguson's heart and not just because of his days as a shop steward on Red Clydeside. Ferguson spent two years there after Rangers bought him from Dunfermline Athletic in 1967 for a then Scottish record fee of £65,000. Ironically, the Fife club will provide Martin's first taste of Scottish football when he travels to East End Park today.

Martin had no intention of arguing when Ferguson told him he should join Rangers on loan - after all, David Beckham was packed off to Preston North End. "If you are a youngster coming through and you have Sir Alex as your manager, if he tells you to go somewhere, you are not going to argue," said Martin.

"He knows best. He has been around the block and is an unbelievable manager. He sold the club to me, to be honest. He has amazing power throughout football and only had good words to say about this club.

"It is not a gamble at all. As soon as the gaffer mentioned it to me, I was literally straight on the motorway and up here. I did not need to think about it at all. It is such a massive club and an unbelievable challenge in my career. I can't wait to get started.

"I know this is a new period for Rangers with a new manager and new players. To come in and be a part of it is really exciting."

Le Guen spotted Martin when he watched Celtic in a pre-season friendly against Manchester United. "I was impressed with Lee against Celtic and I have spoken about him many times with Alex Ferguson and he confirmed to me he is a good player," said the Frenchman. "I think it could be good for all parties - the player, Manchester United and Rangers - because he will be able to improve here."

No doubt the "Hairdryer" will have impressed upon Martin that East End Park is not a breeze. No sooner had Fergie upped sticks and gone to Ibrox, than Dunfermline won the Scottish Cup in 1968 and then reached the last four of the Cup-Winners' Cup. The modern Rangers have dropped points there in the last two campaigns.