Barry Ferguson embraces Rangers star with entirely new Ibrox information
Barry Ferguson has had a tremendous impact at Rangers since taking the interim manager role.
The Gers legend replaced Philippe Clement after he was sacked in February after a dismal Scottish Premiership campaign at Ibrox.
The 47-year-old has turned the Light Blues season around, with progress to the Europa League quarter-finals and a huge derby win over arch-rivals Celtic.
He has also improved the atmosphere in Auchenhowie, which has allowed several underperforming stars to find their form after the Belgian’s departure.
Nicolas Raskin reaping the benefits under Ferguson
Nicolas Raskin has received a call-up to the Belgium squad for the upcoming international break and could make his senior debut for his national team.
Ferguson will be praying that the 24-year-old comes back to Govan unscathed after his performance against Celtic.
Raskin was tremendous, opening the scoring and setting up Mohamed Diomande to double the Gers lead with 37 minutes on the clock.
Steven Naismith was wowed by the former Standard Liege midfielder’s impact and believes that Ferguson has had a hand in his recent form.
Speaking on BBC Sportscene, he said: “I think he has embraced that a Rangers midfielder who has been there, done it, and been successful is giving him all this information.
“He’s instrumental in the first two goals, it’s fantastic.”
Rangers need Raskin to continue his brilliant form
The midfielder brings relentless energy and a brilliant passing ability, and those attributes will be key if Ferguson’s side are going to have a successful finish to the campaign.
His performances against Fenerbahce and Celtic prove why he is a key man for the Gers and they need him to continue in that vein of form if they are to go deep in the Europa League.
| Stats | Raskin v Celtic |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Chances created | 1 |
| Passes into final third | 5 |
That competition represents the only chance of success for the Auchenhowie outfit after a dismal league campaign and keeping Raskin fit will increase their chances of forging a route to the final.
Given the thin-squad at Ferguson’s disposal and the looming quarter-final against Athletic Bilbao, losing Raskin to injury would be a major blow and would derail any momentum that the Light Blues have put together.
It will be a great moment if Raskin makes his international debut but the Gers coaching staff will be watching with a keen eye, praying that he makes it off of the pitch in one piece.