Nico Raskin lacking from Rangers squad regardless of ‘resolved’ problem – Martin

Rangers head coach Russell Martin says Nico Raskin will not be in the squad to face Hearts this weekend despite his situation being “resolved”.

The Belgian international was left out of the Ibrox side’s 0-0 draw with Celtic before the international break, during which he scored for his country in a 6-0 win over Kazakhstan.

The 24-year-old was one of Rangers’ best players last season but has fallen out of favour under the former Scotland defender.

“He won’t be in the squad tomorrow,” Martin explained.

“We have a lot of conversations, as we do with every player, but he’s back training with the squad, which is a good step. And now, like every player really, he has a duty to make sure that he earns the trust of all his other team-mates and the coaching staff and the staff in the building to help us win football matches.

“It’s the same for every player here. He obviously played for his country during the week.”

Martin is still waiting for his first Premiership win as Rangers head coach following four draws opening his league tenure.

But despite Raskin, who joined from Standard Liege in 2023, being one of the key players since coming to Glasgow, there appears no rush to usher him back into the squad.

“We have to be on the pitch with trust and feeling and clarity and that’s it,” said Martin.

“And I think the most important thing is that Nico knows why, the players know why, and we all move forward.

“It is resolved because he’s still here and he’s training with the group now, so it’s fine. It’s never a personal thing, it’s always professional. My job is to do what I feel is best for the team, for the club. It’s not about me, it’s not about Nico, it’s about everyone.

“I think we have to win football matches, it’s as simple as that. The fans will be happy if the team is winning matches and playing in a way that they’re enjoying and we have to get to that as quickly as we possibly can.”