The defender has formed a key partnership with Olwethu Makhanya at the heart of the Ibrox defence

From Russia, Manny Fernandez felt nothing but love during the international break.

But now he’s hoping Rangers ’ Iron Curtain defence can continue spurning their Premiership rivals.

Gers’ giant centre-back was busy clocking up the air miles during the international break after hooking up with Nigeria.

His adventures included a controversial friendly clash with Russia, who they faced in spite of the country’s exile from major tournaments following the illegal invasion of Ukraine.

Fernandez had no idea what to expect from a nation that has found itself shunned by the western world - but was wowed by the hospitality the Super Eagles received as they played out a 3-3 draw.

Quizzed on his time away, the 6ft 4ins stopper said: “To be fair, I didn't realise the international window was that long!

“First we started in Nigeria, then we went to Guinea-Bissau, then we went to Russia. I enjoyed it.

“It was a bit too long but I did enjoy it. I feel like playing with those sort of players at that level is something you have to be more grateful for. It's an amazing opportunity.

“When I went to Russia, I didn't expect it to be how it was but it was amazing. It was way better than I thought.

“The people were so kind and caring, they did everything we needed for us. The training sessions were good out there, the game was good as well. The funny thing is that when we scored they were cheering our goals.”

Fernandez got back to domestic duty last weekend as Gers saw off Kilmarnock.

But he was frustrated to see his side blot their impressive recent defensive record after conceding for the first time in almost 500 minutes when they handed Neil McCann ’s a stoppage-time consolation strike in a 3-1 win.

He said: “When you know you've kept out goals at the end of the game, you feel good about yourself.

“When you are conceding a lot of goals, you feel a bit down whether you win the game or not.

“When you know that you've kept a lot of queen sheets and you know that you've done well as a back four, that you've won the majority of your duels, you've defended your box well, that's when the defender wants to know that they've done well.

“I feel like it was always going to be a difficult game against Killie because a lot of players had been away to various places during the international break.

“I still feel like we had an opportunity to keep a clean sheet that game.

“Obviously, we failed at the last minute and there were some chances in the game that they could have scored but I feel like as a team now we've spent a week together, we get back to knowing how each other plays again.

“I feel like we can get back to that basics and keep more clean sheets in there.”