'Man it up' - Rangers squad tipped to spark Russell Martin talks over Nico Raskin stand off
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(Credit: Imago)
Jack Heath
Tue 16 September 2025 19:34, UK
Rangers players have been told to usher peace talks between Russell Martin and Nico Raskin after the Belgian was dropped from the squad.
The former Southampton boss continues to come under fire after Rangers fans chanted for Martin to be sacked in their 2-0 defeat to Hearts on the weekend (13 September).
Much of the anguish has also come from the Englishman’s reluctance to restore a fan-favourite to the starting XI as sources have told Football Insider on 13 September that Raskin could leave Rangers in January.
Former Rangers striker Ally McCoist has demanded an answer to Martin and Raskin’s feud as supporters remain in the dark on why the Belgian is not being selected.
Ex-Stoke City midfielder Charlie Adam has weighed in on the situation and how he believes the Gers team will come together to resolve the issue themselves.
Credit: Imago
Discussing the overarching issues facing the Teddy Bears on the PLZ Soccer – The Football Show (16 September), the former Scotland international touched on the headline-grabbing problem at the Ibrox.
Adam highlighted the importance of the Belgium international for the team who cannot be allowed to waste away until January, recommending that the staff and players at the club work together to open a conversation between Martin and Raskin.
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The ex-Liverpool anchor midfielder said: “Yeah, of course, you have to have good conversation because Nicolas Raskin can’t go anywhere.
So, you know, Rangers can’t afford to have an asset like that sat in the stand for the next three or four months until January.
“So, he [Raskin] needs to find a solution.
It has to come from the player.
“The Rangers manager and the staff and the players have to try and get around the dressing room and speak and open up talks and see where they’re at because at the moment it’s not working.
“They have to try and get that togetherness and, you know, get that opportunity to get Raskin back into the team.”
Since the 6-0 thrashing of Club Brugge in the Champions League, the number 43 has not started a game for the Gers.
Yet, on international duty he starred in a 6-0 demolition of Kazakhstan, showing his manager back in Glasgow what he is capable of when trusted.
It is hard to say what has happened behind the scenes but the Belgian will be eager to be involved again and prove to the fans his dedication to the club.
Nicolas Raskin 2024-25 all competitionsAppearances45Minutes played3,589Goals5Assists11(Source: Sofascore)
Moreover, the other Teddy Bears midfielders have struggled in the absence of the 24-year-old as Martin’s stubbornness appears to be his undoing.
A candid discussion between the pair could spark a return to form the team needs by removing any bad blood and clearing the air at the Ibrox.
Especially with the Europa League approaching, the ex-Saints manager will need the dynamism of the centre-midfielder to try and change the fans’ opinion of his shambolic tenure thus far.