‘Infectious’ Rangers star set to play huge role vs Genk
Russell Martin is looking to achieve back-to-back wins for the first time as Rangers manager.
Martin is facing intense pressure as fans are calling for him to be sacked after a disastrous start to their Scottish Premiership campaign.
Rangers take on Genk at Ibrox in their first Europa League match, with the Bears looking to emulate their magical run to the competition’s final in 2022.
Andrew Cavenagh will back Martin for the upcoming run of fixtures, and one Rangers star could have a huge say in deciding the former Southampton manager’s future in Govan.
Nico Raskin could be the game-changer vs Genk
Nico Raskin has come back into the team in superb form, scoring Rangers’ opener during their 2-0 win over Hibernian on Saturday.
Relations had soured between Raskin and Martin over the summer, as the 24-year-old sought a move away from Ibrox.
Speaking on The Go Radio Football Show on 25 September, former Rangers player Richard Foster expects Raskin to make the difference at Ibrox.
He said: “With the excitement level rising around Ibrox, I thought Raskin’s energy was infectious vs Hibs.
“I think if Rangers can start the game well and get the fans onside, something which they have done in a lot of European ties, I think it will be a long night for Genk.”
Raskin was left out of the match-day squad for the matches against Celtic and Hearts amid noise surrounding his future; however, reports also suggested that he had fallen out with Martin.
- Raskin was named Rangers’ Player of the Season in 2024/25
- He registered 16 goal contributions for the Light Blues
- He earned his first call-up to the Belgium squad in March
Raskin is not only Rangers’ most talented player, but also their biggest asset, and Martin will need the best out of the midfielder if he is to be successful in his first season in charge.
With Raskin looking to make the squad for the 2026 World Cup, no Rangers player will be more determined to lead the Bears towards success on both domestic and European fronts.
Europa League could help Russell Martin to avoid the sack
The Europa League has provided some magical moments for Gers fans in the past.
The 2022 campaign was full of euphoria, with supporters feeling it in the comeback over Braga, the historic win versus Dortmund, and the spine-tingling semi-final victory over RB Leipzig.
Whilst Rangers continue to struggle in the Scottish Premiership, European action is not only a chance for Martin to rotate some of his players, but also an opportunity for Rangers to achieve European success for the first time since 1972.
Raskin is Rangers’ talisman, and if Ibrox is to witness another magical run in Europe this season, he’ll be at the centre of it.
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