Barry Ferguson tips Nicolas Raskin to lose Rangers place in starting XI after injury
Former Rangers captain Barry Ferguson has tipped Nicolas Raskin to lose his place in Philippe Clement’s starting lineup after his recent injury.
Raskin was a regular in Clement’s midfield before picking up an injury before the international break which allowed John Lundstram and Ryan Jack to strike up an understanding with some excellent performances.
And Ferguson, writing in his column for the Daily Record (18 November) believes that while Raskin is a “top player” there are no guarantees he gets back in the team after how well Jack and Lundstram have performed.
“I really like Raskin and think he will be a top player,” he said. “In fact, I think he will become a really important player for Clement.
“But the way Jack and Lundstram have gone about their business in his absence through injury means there’s no guarantee he walks back into the team.”
Depth
It’s been a while since Rangers had plenty of quality depth in the squad, whether that be not having the players or not having them available due to injuries.
But after the international break ends we should have a host of options and depth in the squad for Clement to pick from, and that should see us come up with even better performances.
Jack and Lundstram have been excellent in recent games and deserve to keep their place in the side, but Raskin is quality and Clement clearly rates him highly. Not to mention he is the future of the midfield, where Lundstram and Jack are ageing and arguably on their way out.
Bringing Raskin back in wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world, but he should be made to earn it to ensure there is a merit system in the squad.
We can’t have favouritism in the squad because then complacency sets in, and Clement seems like the type who won’t accept that. But it’s nice to have options again for once.
In other Rangers news, club ready to battle Celtic to sign SPFL starlet.