Rangers duo told to intervene amid Nico Raskin and Russell Martin fallout
Rangers have a problem they need to resolve, after a recent rift between manager Russell Martin and star player Nicolas Raskin.
Raskin was left out of the squad in Rangers’ last game, a dismal 0-0 draw with Celtic, but a move away on transfer deadline day did not materialise for the midfielder.
The Belgium International was Rangers’ best player last season, and is arguably the best midfielder in Scotland, but Martin left him out of the team and suffered as a result.
Raskin recently stated that his focus is getting back into the Rangers team, and this should make reintegrating him an easy task for Martin, but he may need some help.
Senior Rangers stars need to help Nicolas Raskin situation
The Rangers rift between Martin and Raskin was one which was never going to end well for the manager, with the midfielder a much more popular figure among the fans than he is.
Raskin is open to a return to the team, but questions will still remain over his future, as he will enter the final two years of his contract at the end of the season.
Another stellar season could lead to a potential record sale for Rangers, but they will need to ensure that Raskin remains focused and his performance levels remain high.
| Stat | Raskin |
| Appearances | 104 |
| Goals | 6 |
| Assists | 16 |
The Daily Record have reported that senior stars such as James Tavernier and Jack Butland need to help Martin and Raskin reintegrate for the good of the club.
“The senior pros have a part to play as well, starting with skipper James Tavernier and the likes of Jack Butland, to ensure the Belgian doesn’t get too big for his boots,” they wrote.
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Rangers have to maximise Nicolas Raskin’s value
Given Raskin’s contract status, the logical step would be to sell him next summer while his value is high.
Raskin scored for Belgium during the International break, and should he travel to the World Cup, he could further increase his value on the big stage.
Rangers need to manage him carefully, both to ensure that Martin picks him in the team again, but that Raskin continues to be a team player and delivers his best performance levels.
Hamza Igamane downed tools before his departure, which lowered his sale value, but if players such as Tavernier can ensure that Raskin has a smooth return to the team, a repeat situation can be avoided.
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