‘Rangers set to green light Nico Raskin exit after bombshell claim’
Rangers could let one of their star midfielders leave after Russell Martin’s furious remarks following their 1-1 draw against Motherwell.
The Gers failed to get off to a winning start in the Scottish Premiership for a third successive season, already handing Celtic a possible lead in the title race if they can beat St Mirren on the opening weekend.
Captain James Tavernier headed Rangers in-front at Fir Park, but a late equaliser from Emmanuel Longelo earned Motherwell a richly deserved point.
The performance sparked manager Martin to unleash furious post-match comments at the club and his players which could mean a departure for one star.
Martin to sell amid Motherwell fury
After the match, across interviews with BBC Sport and Sky Sports, Martin said: “There’ll be people left behind if they don’t want to come because they need to understand what playing for this football club will take and what it means.”
Martin claimed Rangers were “lucky” to come away with a point and said his side got “outfought.”
Midfielder Nico Raskin started the match but could not influence proceedings, creating just one chance for his team mates and none of his three shots were on target.
Defensively, the Belgian only won one of his three tackles and none of his ariel duels [Fotmob].
Raskin’s performance may have pushed him closer to the Ibrox exit door as in a Football Insider Exclusive back in June it was revealed Rangers would not reject any offer at or above £20million for the 24-year-old.
Martin has much to ponder on
Football Insider Verdict
Following their two-legged victory over Panathinaikos in the Champions League there was a sense of positivity going into the new season with a new manager and new players.
That positive mood has instantly evaporated following a poor performance against Motherwell, and Martin’s post-match comments.
Martin did not hold back, and his frank assessment already threatens to disharmonise the dressing room.
Raskin was one of the culprits for a bad performance and with interest from Europe in his services, the midfielder could be a part of an overhaul of the squad.
| Apperances | 48 |
| Goals | 5 |
| Assists | 11 |
The goals and assists he contributed to the team last season shows Raskin’s departure would hit the creativity in the team.
Martin wants players who will give it there all for the shirt, and he must change the culture at the club otherwise Celtic must already be thinking about another title triumph.
Rangers are back in action in mid-week in the next round of Champions League qualifying against Viktoria Plzen and the atmosphere at Ibrox could turn nasty.