Russell Martin’s job saved at Rangers saved in twist of irony at Ibrox
Rangers qualified for the semi-finals of the Premier Sports Cup following a 2-0 win vs Hibs at Ibrox.
Fan protests outside Ibrox meant a loss could have marked the sacking of Russell Martin, yet two goals on the stroke of half-time meant Rangers progressed to the last four of a competition they’ve won 28 times.
Chairman Andrew Cavenagh was in attendance for the match, as Rangers finally took advantage of the chances they created.
Pressure has been mounting on Martin, and whilst this win will do him the world of good, the former Southampton manager must build on the team’s performance.
Nico Raskin’s goal has saved Russell Martin’s job
The goals came from Nico Raskin and Bojan Miovski, with the former scoring a brilliant header to open the scoring.
Raskin and Martin have finally repaired relations, with the two embroiled in a tumultuous relationship over the last few months as Raskin looked set to leave the club.
In the Scottish Mail on 21 September, columnist Gary Keown expressed the irony that Raskin was the star man to turn up for Rangers on Saturday.
He said: “Martin isn’t out of the woods yet. You might say Raskin saved his job. You could also argue he rubbed his nose in it.
“Unless this win was the start of some miraculous transformation, big games against better opposition inside an even emptier Ibrox may well be his ultimate undoing.”
Raskin has been Rangers’ most talented player for a couple of years now, and was their Player of the Season last year.
He delivered well under Barry Ferguson and Philippe Clement , and his form earned him a first call-up to the Belgium squad in March.
| Season | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 2022/23 | 16 | 0 | 2 |
| 2023/24 | 31 | 1 | 1 |
| 2024/25 | 48 | 5 | 11 |
| 2025/26 | 10 | 1 | 2 |
Despite being left out of the squad in Rangers’ last two league matches, Raskin has featured regularly this season as one of the standout performers in a struggling team.
Raskin’s return to the starting lineup is a sight Rangers fans will be pleased with, although one player may not feel the same way.
Nico Raskin’s return could spell trouble for Connor Barron
Raskin’s exclusion from the squad for the 2-0 defeat to Hearts saw Barron reprise his starting role in the centre of the park.
However, Raskin’s triumphant return to the starting lineup vs Hibs meant Barron had to settle for a place on the bench.
Barron has been a great squad player for Rangers since joining from Aberdeen last summer, yet the 23-year-old midfielder will become frustrated if he doesn’t start consistently for the side.
Mohamed Diomande has been criticised for his form in recent weeks, and Barron could potentially displace him from the team.
However, the Ivorian has already featured in twelve of Rangers’ games this season, and looks to be one of Martin’s first names on the team sheet.
With this impacting Barron and new signing Joe Rothwell, the long-term future of both of these players could be cast in doubt.
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