NICOLAS RASKIN was a standout performer in his first start for Belgium.

And his starring display has generated quite the debate in the country where he star plays his club football.

It’s over 1,100 miles from Genk to Glasgow but that hasn’t stopped Rangers and Celtic fans arguing over Raskin and his perceived international rival, Arne Engels.

Raskin was called up for Belgium‘s Nations League play-off matches against Ukraine whilst Engels was left out, as Rudi Garcia took charge of his first games in charge of the national team.

The 24-year-old came on as a substitute in the first leg as the Belgians lost 3-1 but was handed a start in the return fixture and he helped them win 3-0 at the Cegeka Arena.

Both were regulars in the Under-21 squad but Engels has four senior caps to his name and Raskin hadn’t been capped before this week.

With both of them midfielders from the same country, fans of both sides of the Glasgow divide have been quick to compare them and that has never been more evident than this week (even if they both play in slightly different midfield roles).

Raskin was given a standing ovation when he was subbed off just before the 90-minute mark and his performance has earned him rave reviews both at home and in Scotland.

Indeed, the Belgium national team named him their man of the match.

A post on Twitter (X) read: “Nicolas Raskin is our man of the match after a magnificent first start.”

Needless to say, Rangers fans are proud of their player.

But they didn’t miss a chance to try and put one over Celtic in the process.

As this fan put it: “Think the Raskin versus Engels debate has been settled tonight”

While this Belgium supporter commented: “There was never any debate, Raskin was always on top, Engels only scores penalties.”

Another said: “Belgium have found their new hero and it’s not Engels.”

Meanwhile, a Celtic fan said: “He’s a good wee player but this Raskin vs Engels stuff is crazy. This is your trophy this season, him getting a call up and Engels not.

“Both are good young players they have both been excellent at times and poor at times. Engels has played four times for Belgium this season, he’ll be back.”

And of course, many other Hoops supporters were quick to remind their rivals that Engels is part of a team on course for a domestic treble, while Raskin is yet to lift a trophy with Gers.

In Belgium, the coverage focused more on Raskin generally than a debate between him and Engels.

Niewsblad claimed that Raskin “proved Domenico Tedesco wrong”, with the previous having kept Raskin out of the picture.

But some fans did draw lines between the two Old Firm midfielders.

This Belgium fan said: “As a Belgian, I’m delighted to see Raskin flourish at Rangers but, and I’m sorry in advance, I’m also happy to see Engels have a good season at Celtic.”

But another said: “In 45 minutes, Raskin made a better impression on me than Engels or the useless (Aster) Vranckx, who must never be called up again.

“He is good in this role of defensive midfielder.”

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