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

The Nigeria defender 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.

The 25-year-old has started every match for Rangers, who have kept the most clean sheets in the league so far this season.

“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],” McInnes said before Saturday’s League Cup semi-final against Aberdeen.

“Wednesday night wasn’t on Manny Fernandez, Wednesday 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 head to Hampden on Saturday – where Aberdeen await in the semi-finals of the Premier Sports Cup – and McInnes is hoping to get the better of his old club.

Rangers have won three trophies since 2012 and have finished the last two seasons without any silverware.

McInnes, who took charge in June, is the latest manager charged with turning around that poor return and has the chance to make his mark, having defeated Celtic 3-0 in the quarter-finals at Ibrox.

“To get the first trophy would be so important, reinforcing confidence, reinforcing belief,” the Rangers boss said.

“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.”

Aberdeen’s poor form makes Rangers strong favourites to progress to December’s final against either Hearts or Hibernian.

However, Dons boss Stephen Robinson did lift the trophy last term when in charge of St Mirren, and McInnes is wary of their opponents’ ability to perform in a one-off game.

“They’ve got a good, experienced manager in Robbo and they’ve got some good players, experienced players, in Aberdeen and they’ll be relishing the opportunity as well,” McInnes added.

“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 feel.”

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.”