Credit: Imago

Aheed Abrar

Thu 16 April 2026 19:10, UK

Rangers are lucky to still have Nicolas Raskin at Ibrox after talks of an exit last summer.

Craig Moore can’t believe that the Belgium international ended up staying at the Gers despite apparently not being wanted by Russell Martin.

It was the midfielder who turned up to training a few days before the summer transfer window closed and basically decided to stay at the Light Blues.

Martin was sacked by the Glaswegian outfit a few weeks later and the club were wise not to sell the 25-year-old at the Scottish manager’s behest.

Raskin is now thriving under Danny Rohl as the Govan side look to win the William Hill Premiership title this season.

Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises minimise Rangers damage

Andrew Cavenagh gave Martin time to implement his ideas at the Gers, but it became increasingly obvious that he wasn’t fit for the job.

The Scottish manager was sacked after one win in his seven league games in charge and his record may end up being inconsequential in the grand scheme of things if Rohl can lead the Govan side to the title.

Apart from replacing Martin, the Americans also got rid of Kevin Thelwell and Patrick Stewart as fans turned their ire to the management.

It looks like Cavenagh pulled the trigger on some decisions at the right moment to minimise the obvious damage that had been done at the Glaswegian outfit at the start of the season.

Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show on 15 April, Moore said, “I’ve also seen some comments about his conversations with Martin. Rangers are very lucky to have him still at the club because he was definitely wanted out and decided he was going to turn up two days before the window, that ‘No, I’ll be in training’. Incredible story that has come out in recent days.

“Basically, there was a conversation with Martin and he wasn’t part of the plans and he was feeling he was being pushed out the door.”

Danny Rohl has plan to survive without Nicolas Raskin

Raskin may leave Rangers for a hefty fee in the summer, but Rohl already has the personnel to fill his absence.

Tochi Chukwuani has made a place for himself in the starting lineup, often playing in a deeper midfield role, which has given the Belgium international the licence to roam.

Connor Barron fulfilled that role admirably before his injury and the former Sturm Graz star’s arrival in the winter transfer window.

Chukwuani has shown his ability to contribute for the Glaswegian outfit in the final third and his partnership with the Scotland international may become more prominent once the Govan side sell Raskin.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Govan.