Rangers manager Derek McInnes has defended Emmanuel Fernandez, saying the centre-back “has been a big part” of strong displays this term.

The Nigeria international, 25, has come under some criticism after some high profile mistakes, including during Wednesday’s 2-2 draw with Hearts at Tynecastle in the Scottish Premiership.

McInnes hit back at those critics, saying: “I only get asked about Fernandez when he has a poor game. Nobody asked me about Fernandez on Saturday, he was outstanding on Saturday [against St Johnstone].

“Last night wasn’t on Manny Fernandez, last night 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.”

Rangers’ next challenge comes on Saturday as they head to Hampden where Aberdeen await in the semi-finals of the Scottish League Cup and McInnes is hoping to get the better of his old club.

But he admits, despite Aberdeen’s recent poor form and the fact Rangers are firm favourites to win through, his side will have to “deliver it on the pitch”.

“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,” said McInnes.

“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 feel.

“To get the first trophy would be so important, reinforcing confidence, reinforcing belief. Traditionally, semi-finals can be fraught with a lot of nerves and tension and sometimes they’re not the best games, because of what’s at stake.

“A semi-final is a stand alone game, sometimes form goes out the window. They’ve got a good, experienced manager in Robbo (Stephen Robinson) and they’ve got some good players, experienced players in Aberdeen and they’ll be relishing the opportunity as well.”

While McInnes will be hoping to put one over on Robinson on Saturday, he admits he has “sympathy” for his fellow manager.

The Dons have lost three of their past four league matches, including Wednesday’s 1-0 home defeat by Falkirk.

And McInnes commented: “I sympathise with all the managers, really, 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.

“I’ve obviously been to the national stadium quite a lot as a manager.

“I’ve managed St Johnstone, Kilmarnock and Aberdeen in semi-finals and we were never the favourites then but I always felt confident that we could win the game.

“So, I’m sure Aberdeen will feel the exact same confidence.”