Russell Martin moves step closer to Rangers sack after latest Nico Raskin revelation
Russell Martin’s feud with Nicolas Raskin had appeared set to end in recent days, but there has now been a fresh twist.
Rangers fans are unhappy with Martin’s management after failing to win any of their four Scottish Premiership games so far, and the atmosphere within the club is toxic.
Raskin was Rangers’ best player last season, but has been a peripheral figure under Martin, and was left out of the squad for the Old Firm.
Martin has now held talks with Raskin after a move away did not materialise, but Rangers fans will be furious at the latest development.
Nicolas Raskin omitted from squad vs Hearts
Rangers face a must-win game against Hearts, and a return for Raskin was demanded by many to give the home side the best chance of victory at Ibrox.
Hearts have impressed under Derek McInnes, and a top-quality player like Raskin could make the difference against such tough opposition.
| Stat | Raskin |
| Appearances | 104 |
| Goals | 6 |
| Assists | 16 |
However, STV reported on 11 September that following talks with Martin, the midfielder will still not return to the squad against Hearts.
Raskin started and scored for Belgium during the International break, but Martin is refusing to bring him back into the fold despite his quality, and this decision could now cost him his job.
Russell Martin could live to regret Nicolas Raskin omission
With two signings arriving on deadline day, Rangers fans were beginning to build optimism that a new-look squad could get going against Hearts to start picking up some form.
The game at Ibrox could have seen fans get behind Martin and the team more than before to try and record a vital victory, and bringing Raskin back would have certainly helped the atmosphere.
However, with Raskin absent, fans will already be frustrated, and if Rangers do not win, the entire blame will land at Martin’s feet.
Fans already want the manager out, and the way Martin has treated Raskin could be the nail in his coffin as he is not currently justifying this bizarre saga with results.
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