Derek McInnes has launched a firm defence of Emmanuel Fernandez just hours after the defender was criticised by Rangers hero Ian Ferguson for his display against Hearts.
The Nigeria international endured a difficult evening at Tynecastle as he struggled against the Hearts attack, with his centre-back partner Olwethu Makhanya rescuing a point for the Light Blues in the final minutes of the game. Atalanta loanee and England cap Ben Godfrey remained on the sidelines as Fernandez played the full 90 minutes.
Ferguson's criticism
Speaking on BBC Sportsound, Ferguson said: "Hearts were brilliant but Rangers it's food for thought for Saturday against Aberdeen because I thought Derek McInnes was slow to make changes."
"You look at Fernandez I can't believe he played 90 minutes, he was woeful, I would have taken him off in the first half. His body language was all over the place, his overall play. It doesn't give the rest of the players confidence round about him. Makhanya was Rangers best players, he's got a lot to deal with when he's got someone to his right hand side like that who is so poor."
"There's good players waiting on the bench, should have been given an opportunity a little bit earlier."
McInnes's response
Speaking ahead of the Premier Sports Cup semi-final with Aberdeen, McInnes was asked if he would consider drafting in Godfrey at Hampden. He responded: "I've got loads of decisions to make across the team, you know. We've been pretty consistent and we've been pretty good with results."
"I know it's not last night, it's not perfect and the last two away games we've drawn, but still unbeaten on the road, we've still been pretty strong; our record's been, not brilliant, but our unbeaten run's been going on for 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 are three games in the week."
Asked specifically about Fernandez's form, McInnes said: "I only get asked about Fernandez when he has a poor game. Nobody asked me about Fernandez on Saturday."
"He was outstanding on Saturday. He looks like he could've played St Johnstone himself at the back. 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 wasn't on Manny Fernandez. Last night it was a collective. And I never get asked about Manny when he does really well and he's been a big part of our better performances this season."
