Rangers manager Derek McInnes has come out strongly in support of centre-back Emmanuel Fernandez, insisting the Nigeria international has been central to his side's best performances this season.

Fernandez, 25, faced a wave of criticism following Wednesday's 2-2 Scottish Premiership draw with Hearts at Tynecastle, where the defender was singled out for a number of costly errors.

McInnes rejected that narrative, pointing to the player's display in the previous weekend's win over St Johnstone. "I only get asked about Fernandez when he has a poor game," the manager said. "Nobody asked me about Fernandez on Saturday — he was outstanding on Saturday."

McInnes was equally firm in absolving Fernandez of sole blame for the Tynecastle disappointment. "Last night wasn't on Manny Fernandez, last night was a collective," he said. "I never get asked about Manny when he does really well and he's been a big part of our better performances this season."

All roads lead to Hampden

Attention now turns to Saturday's Scottish League Cup semi-final at Hampden Park, where Rangers face Aberdeen — McInnes's former club, whom he managed for eight years.

Despite Aberdeen's difficult run of form — which includes Wednesday's 1-0 home loss to Falkirk and three defeats in their last four league matches — McInnes is refusing to take the occasion for granted. "People might view us as favourites and I understand that, but we've still got a game to win," he said. "Aberdeen are capable of a big performance."

The Rangers manager knows the weight a first trophy would carry for the club. "To get the first trophy would be so important, reinforcing confidence, reinforcing belief," he said. "Traditionally, semi-finals can be fraught with nerves and tension and sometimes they're not the best games because of what's at stake."

McInnes spoke with admiration — and some sympathy — for Aberdeen manager Stephen Robinson, known as Robbo, who faces his own pressures at Pittodrie. "They've got a good, experienced manager in Robbo and some experienced players who will be relishing the opportunity," he said.

"I sympathise with all managers who feel that pressure. I've managed Aberdeen for eight years and it's not always an easy club to manage, but they've got a good guy there who will get it right if given time — I have no doubts about it."

Drawing on his own record in national stadium semi-finals with St Johnstone, Kilmarnock, and Aberdeen, McInnes acknowledged that form rarely tells the whole story at this stage. "A semi-final is a stand-alone game — sometimes form goes out the window," he said. "I'm sure Aberdeen will feel the exact same confidence."