Richard Dunne has poured more fuel on the fire of Rangers’ early season crisis, branding them the “second biggest club in Scottish football” while tearing into Russell Martin’s disastrous start at Ibrox.

The former Republic of Ireland defender was speaking when he dismantled Martin’s record both in England and Scotland, claiming his tactics don’t work in either league. Dunne argued that the Rangers boss is “failing miserably” despite being in charge of what he described as the country’s second force.

It’s a comment that will raise a smile on the green-and-white side of Glasgow, where Celtic fans have long taken pride in their club’s standing as Scotland’s number one. For Dunne to use that point as part of his criticism of Martin will only add to the frustration inside Ibrox.

With Martin under increasing pressure after heavy European defeats and points dropped in the league, Dunne believes the cracks are already too big to paper over.

He said: (Premier Sports Ireland), “As a manager, he needs to have a look at himself and go, my tactic doesn’t even work in either league.

“If you fail with Southampton, it’s like, the league’s too tough for us.

“But he’s failing with the second biggest club in Scottish football and failing miserably.

“I can’t see them sticking with him for too much longer. ”

For Celtic fans, hearing Rangers dismissed like this by a former Premier League and international defender is another reminder of the clear gap in stature and success. Dunne calling them the “second biggest club” will sting badly across the city, especially with Celtic’s dominance and trophy record in recent years.

The timing could hardly be worse for Martin. Celtic are moving forward with momentum while Rangers stumble, making Dunne’s words feel like he’s only pointing out what many in Glasgow already see.

Rangers’ poor form this season has shown up the difference in quality, and pundits like Dunne aren’t holding back in saying it. His claim that they are “failing miserably” piles more pressure on Ibrox, while Celtic supporters watch the chaos unfold.

If Martin can’t turn things around quickly, Dunne’s prediction that the board “can’t stick with him much longer” may soon come true, but shaking off the “second biggest club” label will be an even bigger challenge.