Russell Martin is navigating a make-or-break run of fixtures to save his Rangers job, and his ongoing feud with Belgium international Nico Raskin could prove decisive for his future at Ibrox.
Raskin was once again left out of the squad for Rangers’ 2-0 home defeat to Hearts on Saturday and does not appear close to a return anytime soon.
Martin had also omitted Raskin from his first-team squad for the goalless Old Firm derby before the international break, and confirmed this week that the 24-year-old will continue to be left out, as he must regain ‘trust’ at the club.
Raskin was one of Rangers’ best players last season but has made just two starts in the Premiership this term, where Martin is still waiting for his first win as the club’s head coach.
Nico Raskin Left Out of Rangers Squad
Amid the ongoing feud at Rangers, Raskin reminded observers of what Martin may be missing in a difficult start to the season by netting his first goal for Belgium during the September international break.
Starting in a double pivot alongside Leicester City’s Youri Tielemans, the 24-year-old midfielder scored in Belgium’s 6-0 win over Kazakhstan, registering his first goal of the 2025/26 season for both club and country.
Raskin was arguably Rangers’ best player last term, scoring five goals and providing 11 assists in 48 appearances across all competitions, and his ongoing spat with Martin could eventually cost the Scotsman his job.
Fans have been losing patience with the former Southampton tactician ever since mid-August, when Rangers tumbled in the Champions League qualifiers and were outclassed by Club Brugge by nine goals to just one on aggregate.
Rangers also remain winless in the Premiership, having collected just four points from their opening five games, overseeing draws in all four matches before the international break.
With the transfer window shut, solutions for Martin are seemingly limited as he tries to save both his job and Rangers’ season, with the future of the club’s most valuable asset remaining unclear.
If the feud persists, Raskin may have to be patient until January to try and secure a move away from the club, after receiving interest from a host of clubs across Europe during the summer window – unless a decision over Martin’s future at Ibrox comes sooner.
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