Brian Laudrup expects Nicolas Raskin to play vital role for Rangers v Celtic in Viaplay Cup final
Brian Laudrup not only expects Rangers January signing Nicolas Raskin to start against Celtic in the Viaplay Cup final on Sunday (26 February), but he is also hopeful that the youngster will play a “vital” role.
Writing for the Scottish Daily Mail (21 February, page 70), Laudrup says that the 21-year-old has the tools and skillset to break Celtic’s defence.
Rangers are sweating on the fitness of several key players, but Laudrup suggests that regardless of injury situations, Raskin should start, as the club looking for a “monumental” win against their archrivals.
“In the blue corner, Nicolas Raskin and Todd Cantwell are both eager to be involved in a truly fascinating Viaplay Cup final,” wrote Laudrup for the Scottish Daily Mail.
“That doesn’t have to be a negative, though. And particularly in Raskin, I see someone with a skillset that could be vital to Rangers’ hopes of claiming a monumental victory.
“I could certainly see Raskin playing, regardless of the other injuries. I think his ability to feed the flanks with quick, accurate passes of varying length could an important element of Rangers’ tactical plan.
“When you need a bold approach — and the Ibrox side definitely do — Raskin has tools that can help unlock Celtic’s defence. The 21-year-old looks like a cool guy, he shows confidence, and he’s played in derby matches in Belgium. That all helps. To a point.”
Big game
Raskin is a highly talented midfielder and he will be eager to show his worth against Celtic.
It’s a massive game for the club and Michael Beale in particular. The Gers are already nine points behind Celtic in the Scottish Premiership and the title race is almost as good as over.
Celtic are looking invincible at the moment, and unless they drop points it’s impossible for the Gers to close them down. This is Rangers’ best chance to win a trophy, but it won’t be easy.
Beale has made a great start to his managerial career at Ibrox, and he is undefeated thus far. The club is playing attractive football once again, and they are growing in confidence.
In the previous meeting between the two sides, Rangers drew 2-2 against the Hoops, but this is a cup game, and there will be a winner.
The squad will receive a massive psychological boost if the Gers manage to grab a win here. Beale probably could be forced to play Raskin, unless there’s a positive update on the injury front.
In other Rangers news, the Ibrox bank is set for a cash boost after a document emerged on Wednesday.