The midfielder’s pedigree is rising after an impressive display for Belgium during his first start for his country
In-form Nicolas Raskin appears to have put a dampener an urgent Rangers exit – as the midfielder insisted he KNOWS Belgium boss Rudi Garcia is tracking his game.
The 24-year-old has emerged as a key man for Barry Ferguson in the Rangers’ engine room since his appointment as interim boss.
He played key role as the Light Blues reached the Europa League quarter-final by seeing off Fenerbahce, and the derby day triumph over Celtic before the international break.
That form would earn him his first senior Belgium call-up – and he exploded onto the international scene alongside the likes of Kevin Du Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku.
He would receive a standing ovation on his first start for Belgium after producing a man-of-the-match display to inspire his country to a sensational Nations League turnaround against Ukraine.
That has sparked speculation that Raskin could be on the move for big money this summer – but the man himself has insisted he is focussing on his club football to boost his chances on the international scene.
He told Voetbal Nieuws: “I don’t mind sacrificing myself for top players like (Hans) Vanaken and De Bruyne.”
“It’s fun to play with them. When I recover the ball, I can play it to them with my eyes closed and enjoy the magic.
Pressed on if he felt like he had given a “calling card” to Garcia to earn a start for his country again in September during the next international double header, he said: “Given my calling card? The coach knows he can count on me. I have to keep working hard now and give everything at my club.
“I know that the coach follows me. He makes the decisions. It is a pleasure to be there and I hope to be able to come often. We have to build on this basis for the future
While some fans have been floating a whopping £30million price tag for the midfielder, teammate Cyriel Dessers admitted earlier this week that suitors will be keeping tabs on his teammate.
He said: “Of course, I see him at work every day and he is a strong player in a team full of internationals. So, I know he can handle that level.
“He is doing really well and with this match with Belgium, there will be interest from other teams. I sometimes have those conversations with him, also because I am older.
Light Blues sporting director Nils Koppen also heaped praised on the rising star during the international break, adding: “With his big fighting heart, he has made himself enormously popular with our fanbase.
“After his strong performances in the Old Firm against Celtic and in Europe against Man United, Tottenham and Fenerbahce, he is seen by our supporters as the best midfielder in Scotland.
“He is different from the other midfielders in the national team. That combination of footballing qualities with a healthy aggression makes him a unique profile.
