Russell Martin to get Andrew Cavenagh phone call after massive Rangers mess
Andrew Cavenagh may need to have a stern conversation with Russell Martin at Rangers.
Under the Scottish manager, the Gers have won just three of the first eleven games this season, leading to fan outrage in G51.
Such is the situation that the Light Blues could potentially have to make special arrangements for Martin at Ibrox against Hearts, as the Jambos can open up a nine-point gap at the top of the table with a win on 13 September.
Cavenagh could possibly be putting pressure on Kevin Thelwell already, and the former Southampton boss hasn’t helped himself with his actions at the Glaswegian outfit.
Andrew Cavenagh to call Russell Martin to resolve Nicolas Raskin situation at Rangers
Keith Jackson suggests that if he were Cavenagh, he would call Martin to reinstate Nicolas Raskin into the squad.
The Daily Record journalist feels the American investor won’t be pleased to see his most valuable asset sitting on the bench at Ibrox.
Jackson believes Cavenagh will demand Martin play the 24-year-old, who could potentially be on his way to the 2026 World Cup with Belgium, more often.
Speaking on Hotline Live on 8 September, the journalist said: “Say I’m Cavenagh and I know I’ve got a player here that walks into that Belgium first eleven that will go to the World Cup. He’s an asset, my best asset I’ve got. I’m telling you right now, I’m picking up the phone to Martin and saying you better get this sorted, this boy needs to play.”
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Kevin Thelwell was right not to sell Nicolas Raskin
Raskin’s future at Ibrox was uncertain in the previous transfer window, with fears among many that he would be sold after being left out of the squad to face Celtic on 31 August.
It wouldn’t have been surprising to see the Belgian ace join a team down south after what he’s been able to do on the international level.
Raskin scored his first goal for Belgium in the 6-0 win against Kazakhstan in the World Cup Qualifiers on 7 September, showcasing his talent away from Ibrox.
| Nicolas Raskin vs Kazakhstan | Statistics |
| Minutes played | 71 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Accurate passes (percentage) | 57/64 (89%) |
| Passes into final third | 13 |
| Defensive contributions | 5 |
| Tackles | 4 |
| Ground duels won (percentage) | 5/7 (71%) |
| Aerial duels won (percentage) | 3/5 (60%) |
With Martin’s future uncertain at Rangers, they would have arguably made a huge mistake by selling one of their best players after an apparent falling out with a manager who may be sacked soon.
The Scottish head coach has already become villain number one among the supporters in G51, and a change in the Gers’ dugout seems inevitable at the moment.
While the Light Blues were right to keep hold of Raskin, they can’t afford for the former Southampton boss to affect his value before the upcoming transfer windows.
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