RANGERS boss Derek McInnes has launched an impassioned defence of Manny Fernandez — claiming that the defender has become an easy target for criticism.

Fernandez came under fire for his performance in the 2-2 draw away at Hearts on Wednesday night, with a large section of the support believing he should now be dropped.

The 25-year-old centre-back has been error-prone for much of the season, despite being the preferred partner for Olwethu Makhanya in central defence.

Speaking to the BBC, Rangers legend Ian Ferguson branded Fernandez’s performance at Tynecastle as ‘woeful’ and insisted he should have been taken off in the first half.

With Ben Godfrey now fit again, there are calls for McInnes to drop Fernandez and reinstate the former England international for Saturday’s Premier Sports Cup semi-final against Aberdeen at Hampden.

But McInnes leapt to the defence of Fernandez yesterday and insisted that the scrutiny on his performances only becomes an issue when Rangers have dropped points.

‘I only get asked about Fernandez when he has a poor game,’ said the Rangers boss. ‘Nobody asked me about Fernandez last Saturday against St Johnstone [in a 4-0 win].

‘He was outstanding. He looked like he could have played St Johnstone himself at the back. So, I understand when players drop because he’s got such a high ceiling and when he’s good, he’s very good.

‘But that’s the same for a lot of players. Last night against Hearts wasn’t on Manny Fernandez, it was a collective.

‘I never get asked about Manny when he does really well and he’s been a big part of our better performances this season.’

Pressed on whether he now has a decision to make with Godfrey fit again, McInnes said: ‘I’ve got loads of decisions to make across the team.

‘I think it’s important that we’ve been pretty consistent and we’ve been pretty good with results. I know the Hearts game was not perfect. The last two away games we’ve drawn, but we’re still unbeaten on the road.

‘We’re still being pretty strong. Our record’s been, well, not brilliant, but our unbeaten run has gone on a while now.

‘I think that while we recognise that individuals can play better last night, we’ve got decisions to make across the board, particularly when there’s three games in the week.’

McInnes revealed that midfielder Tochi Chukwuani could be set for a spell out of action after picking up a knee injury against Hearts.

Rangers will start as heavy favourites at Hampden against an Aberdeen side who are badly out of form under Stephen Robinson.

Robinson is under huge pressure and there are some suggestions that his job could be on the line if Aberdeen lose against their bitter rivals.

As a former Aberdeen manager himself, McInnes recognises the pressure that comes with the job at Pittodrie. But he is determined to continue his own quest to clinch the first piece of silverware of the season, something which he feels would bring a huge psychological boost to his players.

‘I think a semi-final, a stand-alone game, sometimes form goes out the window,’ said the Rangers boss. ‘Aberdeen have got a good, experienced manager in Robbo and got some good, experienced players.

‘They’ll be relishing the opportunity as well. 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 know things have maybe not been going great for Aberdeen lately, but we can’t focus too much on that.

‘I sympathise with all the managers who feel that pressure. 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.

‘From our own point of view, I think supporters, players, staff alike, for everybody connected with the club to get the first trophy would be so important.

‘Obviously, we had a tough tie to navigate last time round, beating Celtic. Now we’re in a semi-final, it’s important that you turn up.

‘Semi-finals, traditionally, can be fraught with a lot of nerves and tension. Sometimes they are not the best games because of what’s at stake, but we can’t just turn up on Saturday hoping to win. We’ve just got to go out and set about the task.

‘It’s something that’s very important to us all, to try and make sure we get to the final. But there is a team who will be equally as determined to get there as well.’