Everything Russell Martin has said about Nico Raskin with Rangers star set to return
Nico Raskin is set to return for Rangers this weekend against Hibernian.
The Belgian is training with the team and could be involved for the first time since the draw with St. Mirren in August.
Raskin has been linked with a Rangers exit for a long time, but will be at Ibrox until at least January after not getting a move in the summer.
Russell Martin and Raskin have had a well-publicised feud, but it appears that the pair have put that behind them ahead of the weekend.
Raskin is one of Rangers’ best players, and supporters will be delighted to see him back involved in the squad.
Russell Martin and Nico Raskin have had a tumultuous relationship
Martin spoke glowingly of Raskin during the summer, but their relationship soured, which resulted in the Belgian being left out of multiple squads.
During the pre-season, Martin talked about what Rangers expect from Raskin on the pitch: “He has big character, he wants to take the ball but I think he’s had to do a lot in the previous season, whereas now we’re going to ask him to do a bit less, and when he does have to stuff, to do it with real quality, intensity and aggression.”
After Raskin’s benching against Club Brugge, Martin insisted that their relationship remained intact, saying: ” I describe my relationship with all the players, all the staff, as honest, open.”
“There’s not a breakdown in any relationships here. If it’s honest and open, there can’t be a breakdown in any relationships.”
Following the scoreless Old Firm against Celtic, where Raskin was left out of the squad, Martin said that the midfielder had to earn the trust of his teammates: “He has a duty to make sure that he earns the trust of all his other teammates, the coaching staff and the staff in the building to help us win football matches.
“It’s the same for every player here. My job is to do what I feel is best for the team, for the club. It’s not about me. It’s not about Nico. It’s about everyone.”
| Scottish Premiership 25/26 | Nico Raskin |
| Games played | 3 |
| Minutes played | 197 |
| Assists | 1 |
However, it looks like Raskin will indeed make his comeback when Martin confirmed he is available for selection against Hibs: “Nico has trained all week, in a good place and is back in the squad for the weekend.”
Russell Martin right to reintroduce Nico Raskin
Martin has been urged to bring Raskin back into the fold for quite some time and has finally obliged.
Whatever the feud between Martin and Raskin was, everyone will benefit from seeing the Belgian back in the team.
Raskin was one of Rangers’ best players last campaign and could be exactly what is missing from the current side.
His ability to link up with teammates and his skill on the ball are exactly what Rangers have been lacking and will hopefully bring on Saturday.
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