Rangers star Emmanuel Fernandez praises ‘amazing’ Olwethu Makhanya partnership

Emmanuel Fernandez has hailed his developing partnership with Olwethu Makhanya as Rangers prepare to face Dundee on Saturday evening.

The pair have emerged as a key part of Rangers' defensive improvement, with Fernandez praising the impact Makhanya has made since arriving at Ibrox from MLS side Philadelphia Union.

Fernandez believes the South African defender, who played for the Bafana Bafana in midfield over the recent break, has been an excellent addition to the team and expects him to continue improving as he adapts to Scottish football.

“He's amazing,” Fernandez told Sky Sports. “I think that was probably one of the perfect things to put in the team, and I feel like he's going to grow as a player, he's getting better every game.

“I feel like even Ivor [Pandur] behind, the saves that he makes is amazing too.

“I feel like having that behind you, knowing that if there's a potential shot on your goal, he was going to save it, is something that's great too.”

Best is yet to come from Gers duo

Rangers' defensive performances have improved significantly during their recent run, with Fernandez admitting he has taken considerable pride in the number of clean sheets the team has produced.

However, the defender insists there is still room for improvement.

“To keep that many clean sheets in a row and to get that many wins with limiting the amount of goals in a row is amazing,” he said.

“But I still think there's improvements to be made. I still think we can concede the least goals in the league, and I feel like that's something we're going to be striving to do.”

Rangers set for Dens Park showdown

The partnership will now face another test when Rangers travel to Dens Park on Saturday to face Steven Pressley’s side.

Fernandez admitted his own performances were “a bit shaky” at the beginning of the campaign but believes he is now returning to his best level.

“I feel like I'm getting back into my groove,” he said. “I still think there's more to come, similar performances towards last season, but it'll all come in due time.”

With Makhanya continuing to develop alongside him and Pandur providing security behind them, Fernandez believes Rangers have the foundations to become even stronger defensively.

For the defender, who featured for his country against UEFA banned Russia during the recent international break, however, the priority is clear. The duo must continue working on the training pitch and make sure Rangers maintain their recent momentum when they make the trip to the City of Discovery late this weekend.

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