Rangers positive emerges already with Nicolas Raskin after fears at Ibrox
Russell Martin will arguably need Nicolas Raskin at his best if Rangers hope to turn things around.
The Belgium international was missing from the squad as the Gers drew against Celtic in the Old Firm derby on 31 August in what was a drab affair.
Kevin Thelwell has hinted at talks with Raskin after he returns from the international break, and hopefully, Martin can hash out his apparent differences with the midfielder.
It looks like the situation is expected to settle between the 24-year-old and the Scottish manager after the recent developments at the Glaswegian outfit.
Nicolas Raskin inclusion in Europa League squad encouraging after transfer rumours
Raskin’s inclusion in the Europa League squad may indicate that things are moving in the right direction, Barry Ferguson says.
The Gers icon feared the worst as rumours swirled around in the final days of the transfer window about the Belgian star’s potential exit from Ibrox.
Ferguson feels the midfielder will be key if Martin wants to turn things around at the Light Blues in the upcoming fixtures against Hearts, Hibernian and Genk.
- Raskin joined the Gers for £1.32m in January 2023.
- The midfielder made 48 appearances for the Light Blues last season, providing 11 assists.
- The Belgian star’s current contract at Ibrox expires in 2027.
The Glaswegian outfit’s former interim manager wrote in the Daily Record: “The fact that Nico has been named in the club’s Europa League squad is an indication that things are already moving in a positive direction.
“I must admit, I feared he might follow Cyriel Dessers out the door on deadline day after he was dropped for Sunday’s Old Firm clash. Whispers were swirling around the city, suggesting he’d been told he had played his last game for the club.
“But if Rangers are to get back on track this season, they need a fully motivated Raskin leading the way.”
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Nicolas Raskin returns at Ibrox: Who will he replace in starting lineup?
It wouldn’t have made sense for the Gers to sell Raskin at a time when Martin’s future at Ibrox is uncertain after winning just three of his 11 games in charge this season.
The Belgium international was undoubtedly the Light Blues’ best player last season, and if the Scottish manager can’t get the midfielder into his plans, the hierarchy in G51 need to think about a change in the dugout.
Bologna wanted Connor Barron on deadline day after his impressive performance against Celtic in the 0-0 draw, but the Glaswegian outfit have decided to keep him, but he’s the most likely to be benched for Raskin.
Lyall Cameron has done enough to cement his place in the number 10 role under Martin, leaving Thelo Aasgaard with work to do to get into the team, and Mohamed Diomande is the other option to form a competitive midfield trio for the Scottish manager in G51 ahead of a crunch fixture against Hearts on 13 September.
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