Emmanuel Fernandez faces fresh scrutiny after Rangers edge past Jablonec

Rangers defender Emmanuel Fernandez has come under renewed criticism after his side’s narrow 1-0 win over Jablonec in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League play-off tie.

Fernandez started in central defence at Ibrox on Thursday as Ryan Naderi’s second-half goal gave Derek McInnes’ team a slim advantage to take into next week’s return match in the Czech Republic.

But the Super Eagles defender endured another challenging night, receiving a yellow card in the 11th minute after fouling Jablonec striker Lamin Jawo.

Jawo spent much of the match competing directly with Fernandez and, after the final whistle, offered a forthright assessment of the Rangers player. Although he recognised the Nigerian’s ability, Jawo played down the difficulty of facing the 25-year-old.

The Jablonec striker also said his side remained confident of overturning the deficit when Rangers travel to the Czech Republic for the second leg.

Jawo’s comments add to mounting scrutiny of Fernandez following a testing beginning to the season. The defender was previously questioned after Rangers lost 2-1 to Jagiellonia Białystok in the Europa League qualifiers.

Former Rangers striker Peter Lovenkrands also criticised Fernandez after Rangers’ 5-1 Scottish League Cup victory over St Mirren. Lovenkrands described him as vulnerable in that game, highlighting his “sloppy play”, booking and the penalty he conceded.

The latest criticism means Fernandez has faced scrutiny in three consecutive weeks, even though Rangers have produced positive results in two of those matches.

That run of criticism contrasts with the defender’s standing at the club last season. Fernandez’s performances during the previous campaign earned him the Rangers’ Player of the Year award.

McInnes nevertheless continues to select Fernandez at the centre of the Rangers defence. Ben Godfrey is unavailable, while Olwethu Makhanya is still attempting to establish himself in the team.

Rangers will defend their 1-0 lead in the second leg against Jablonec next week. Fernandez is expected to remain an important part of McInnes’ plans as the Scottish side attempt to secure progress to the next round of the UEFA Conference League.