Martin, 39, was sacked by Southampton last December after a poor run left them bottom of the Premier League.

However, Solak still has high hopes for him at Rangers.

He said: “I believe and hope Russell will have great success with Rangers.

“I am really happy for him to land such a high-profile job.”

Martin’s last stint with Southampton ended after a 5-0 defeat at home to Tottenham, but he had previously guided the team to promotion via the play-offs at Wembley.

Solak added: “It is absolutely the right fit for him and a great opportunity for him to develop as a manager.

“I always considered him to be a smart and intelligent manager with a great career ahead of him and I hope that he proves me right.”

Martin, who has been out of football since last December, was officially appointed at Ibrox earlier today, having signed a three-year contract.