Russell Martin accused of ‘destroying’ Rangers after what he’s done with Joe Rothwell
Rangers may be misusing Joe Rothwell as calls to sack Russell Martin grow.
Ibrox will host Hibernian next in the Premier Sports Cup on 20 September as the Scottish manager looks over his shoulder in G51 after winning just three of his first 12 games in charge.
Martin has decided to reintegrate Raskin to the squad to face Hibs, having left him out for the previous two matches against Celtic and Hearts.
It will be interesting to see how the former Southampton boss lines up the Glaswegian outfit, as mistakes have undoubtedly been made recently.
Derek Ferguson baffled to see Joe Rothwell played out of position at Rangers
Derek Ferguson has questioned whether Martin has come in to destroy the Gers after playing Rothwell out of position.
The Light Blues icon can’t understand why the Scottish manager is not playing the former Leeds United star in his preferred role at Ibrox.
Ferguson feels the ex-Saints boss is making things difficult for himself by taking such decisions at the Glaswegian outfit.
Speaking on Open Goal on 18 September, the Scotsman said: “You’ve learnt that he’s playing Rothwell in the wrong position. Why is he doing that as a manager? He brings people in and doesn’t play them in their favoured positions. So he’s not giving himself much of a chance, is he?
“Is there something else going on? Has he been brought in to destroy Rangers?”
Read More: Rangers to sack Kevin Thelwell for Steven Gerrard return at Ibrox
Nicolas Raskin must start at Ibrox vs Hibernian
Martin appeared to have a massive issue with Raskin, which is why the midfielder was being excluded from the Gers’ squads.
The Belgium international is arguably the best player at the Light Blues, but the 39-year-old head coach appeared to have been upset with him.
Now that the 24-year-old has returned to the squad, it would make sense to start him in the middle of the park alongside Mohamed Diomande and Lyall Cameron.
- Raskin made 48 appearances in all competitions for the Gers last season.
- Martin has wanted the midfielder to play further up the pitch this season.
- The Belgian star’s contract at Ibrox expires in 2027.
Raskin scored his first goal for Belgium in the 6-0 win over Kazakhstan during the international break, and Rangers fans will hope he can contribute for them against Hibernian.
The former Standard Liege midfielder can undoubtedly be a game-changer for the Gers, but it remains to be seen whether he will start at Ibrox.
If Martin wants to have the best chance of beating Hibs and qualifying for the semi-finals of the Premier Sports Cup, the Belgian national’s inclusion is a no-brainer.
Enjoyed this article? Stay connected with all the latest news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account – @ibroxnews247