Rangers Coach Confirms Raskin's Omission from Squad Against Hearts
Rangers head coach Russell Martin announced that Nico Raskin will not be included in the squad for the upcoming match against Hearts, despite the player’s situation being "resolved."
The Belgian international was absent from the Ibrox side's recent 0-0 draw with Celtic before the international break, during which he scored in a 6-0 victory for his national team against Kazakhstan.
At 24, Raskin was one of Rangers' standout performers last season, but he has recently fallen out of favor under Martin's management.
Martin stated, "He won't be in the squad tomorrow. We have ongoing conversations with every player. He’s back training with the squad, which is a positive step. Like every player, he needs to earn the trust of his teammates and the coaching staff to help us secure victories."
Despite Raskin's previous contributions, including a successful stint since joining from Standard Liege in 2023, Martin emphasized that there is no rush to reintegrate him into the team.
"We need trust, clarity, and cohesion on the pitch," Martin remarked. "It’s important for Nico to understand the reasons behind these decisions, and for all of us to move forward together. His situation is resolved as he is still part of the group and training well. This is a professional matter, not personal. My responsibility is to make decisions that benefit the team and the club."
Martin is still seeking his first win in the Premiership, having opened his tenure with four consecutive draws. He acknowledged the urgency to improve results for the satisfaction of the fans.
Raskin began the season as a key player for Rangers, starting the first three matches before being omitted from the squad for the Champions League qualifying win against Viktoria Plzen. He had previously impressed off the bench against Dundee, with Martin praising his positive reaction to being sidelined.
Despite starting and scoring for Belgium recently, Raskin will remain on the sidelines for the time being, a decision that has frustrated many supporters.
Last season, Raskin emerged as a pivotal player for Rangers, contributing significantly to their Europa League campaign and finishing joint top in assists in the Premiership. His absence from the squad for such an important match has raised eyebrows, especially given the team's struggles early in the season.
Fans have expressed mixed reactions to Martin's decision to exclude Raskin. Some support the manager's approach, citing the need for discipline, while others criticize him for not utilizing one of the club's best talents. Comments from fans highlight a divide, with some questioning Martin's capability as a manager.