Nicolas Raskin risks major disappointment at Rangers — ‘He isn’t Paul Gascoigne’
Russell Martin has already shown he isn’t afraid to drop Nicolas Raskin from the squad at Rangers.
Celtic made their way to Ibrox for the Old Firm derby on 31 August as the Gers managed to get a draw, with the Belgium international not part of the Scottish manager’s plans.
Kevin Thelwell has admitted to sitting down with Raskin after the international break to mend the apparent fences between him and the 39-year-old head coach.
While the midfielder was arguably the Glaswegian outfit’s best player last season, he may be risking a lot after the seeming fallout with the Scottish manager.
World Cup snub on cards for Nicolas Raskin after what’s happened at Rangers
Raskin risks missing the World Cup if he doesn’t get his head down at the Gers, Michael Gannon says.
The Daily Record journalist believes the 24-year-old will be sitting on the bench for the rest of the season unless he follows Martin’s instructions at Ibrox.
Gannon doesn’t think the Belgian ace is like a Paul Gascoigne or Eric Cantona to be making whatever demands at the Glaswegian outfit.
Speaking on Game On on 5 September, the journalist said: “Raskin isn’t a Gascoigne or Cantona. He’s not a guy you can say you can do what you like Monday to Friday as long as you do the business. He’s not that good a player to do that.
“He has to get his head down, knuckle down, do what he’s told and be the player he can be for Rangers. If he does that, he’s got a way back. If he doesn’t, he will be sitting on the bench all season, and he will miss the World Cup.”
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Rudi Garcia benches Nicolas Raskin for Belgium vs Liechtenstein
Raskin was on the bench for Belgium as the Red Devils beat Liechtenstein 6-0 in the World Cup Qualifiers on 4 September.
The midfielder was an unused substitute, as Youri Tielemans, Kevin De Bruyne and Hans Vanaken started for Rudi Garcia’s team.
Back in March, the ex-Standard Liege star seemed to have the world at his feet after making his debut for Belgium and impressing many with his performances.
- 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.
Rangers feared losing Raskin in the previous transfer window, but fans will certainly be delighted to see the midfielder has stayed.
It wouldn’t have made sense for the Gers to sell the Belgium international during a time when Martin’s future looks uncertain.
The Scottish manager could potentially be sacked in the coming weeks after a turbulent start to the season in G51, and the midfielder will undoubtedly play a significant role in helping the Glaswegian outfit turn things around.
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