Nicolas Raskin told by Rangers teammates what to expect from ViaPlay Cup final v Celtic
Nicolas Raskin has revealed his Rangers teammates have told him to expect a “crazy” atmosphere from the ViaPlay Cup final against fierce rivals Celtic on Sunday (26 February), according to The Athletic.
Michael Beale and Ange Postecoglou’s sides are set to lock horns at Hampton Park once more after the entertaining 2-2 draw on the stroke of New Year – the Englishman’s only blemish since taking the reins at Ibrox.
Raskin, who Rangers snapped up from Standard Liege in the January transfer window, has hit the ground running since with a string of assured performances in the middle of the park.
As quoted by The Athletic (20 February), the Belgian midfielder admitted he couldn’t wait for the crazy atmosphere that awaits in the hotly anticipated final.
“I’m very excited to play against Celtic in this cup final because in football you only remember trophies. I’m here to win trophies so I can’t wait,” he said.
“I’ve spoken to the guys and they all say it’s going to be crazy, something I’ve never seen before. So I’m really excited to see this atmosphere and see what it’s like to play in it.”
Here we go
The anticipation of the Old Firm final will only intensify as the week progresses, and although Raskin has been told what to expect, nothing will live up to the actual experience of playing in such an intense environment.
This match is psychologically huge for both Beale and the side, with the Hoops looking imperious for large parts of the season and Rangers always playing second fiddle thus far.
If the Gers can clinch their first piece of silverware under the Englishman, it will be a statement of intent that they’re here to stay and not make up the numbers in the SPL next season.
Rangers certainly hold some brilliant form coming into the final, and Raskin has been an astute addition to an otherwise lacking midfield. The 21-year-old has settled into Scottish football remarkably well and has highlighted why the club pursued him so aggressively in the January transfer window.
In other Rangers news, the club are in line for a multi-million windfall from the Premier League after a £10m Auchenhowie milestone was reached.