Why Nicolas Raskin's latest Belgium situation is actually perfect news for Rangers

Nicolas Raskin has a challenge on his hands away from Rangers.

The midfielder was once again called up to Belgium's national team ahead of the international break after solid performances for the Bears so far this season.

Derek McInnes was always keen to keep the 25-year-old, who had interest from all across Europe, including the Premier League.

Raskin only raised his price even further after reaching the World Cup quarter-finals with Belgium, playing an important role for his nation.

He has played in both of his countries' Nations League games so far during the break, but had to come off the bench against France.

Now, there is a suggestion that Raskin could be permanently pushed out of the team for Belgium, and it's only good news for Rangers.

Nicolas Raskin expected for Belgium snub

Raskin featured for Belgium in their 2-0 win over Italy, playing 74 minutes in a deep midfield role.

The former Standard Liege star remains a player who can do both sides of the game well for McInnes and is waiting for his first goal of the campaign for the Light Blues.

However, after Chelsea's Romeo Lavia returned to Belgium's starting eleven in the 1-0 loss to France on Monday, there is now a belief that Raskin could be edged out of the side.

Belgian outfit Lesoir expect Raskin to be on the bench once again in the return fixture against France next game, with Lavia backed to feature.

Former Belgium international Steven Defour believes that the Chelsea man is streets ahead of Raskin for the national team

He said: "Raskin walks around a little more, while the Devils need a player who is more fixed on his position in front of the defence.

"When Lavia recovers the ball, even if he is under pressure, he plays directly vertically forward. Raskin knows how to do it too, but for me, Lavia is better at everything and is the number one in the 6 position.

"With Raskin as the number two, Lavia will remain the number one when Amadou Onana returns."

The return fixture against France is Belgium's fourth and final game of the break, and Raskin could get a rest at the perfect time ahead of his return to Rangers.

Is Raskin criticism justified?

Raskin managed five minutes off the bench against France, coming on in the 85th minute.

However, Michael Olise scored the decisive goal three minutes after the Rangers star was introduced.

Raskin also played 74 minutes in the win against Italy, but had the lowest FotMob rating out of his Belgian compatriots who started the game, with 6.6.

The Gers know that Raskin can sometimes be caught having a stroll around the pitch, and that simply won't cut it at international level.