🚨 “HUGE DRAMA! Russell Martin DROPS BOMBSHELL by FAILING to clarify Nico Raskin’s status before MASSIVE Old Firm showdown – Fans in MELTDOWN as Rangers face CHAOS before CELTIC CLASH!

Russell Martin Tight-Lipped on Nico Raskin as Old Firm Showdown Looms Amid Rangers Turmoil



A major question mark hangs over Nico Raskin’s involvement in Rangers’ high-stakes clash against Celtic after Russell Martin failed to provide clarity on the midfielder’s status. Reports earlier this week suggested the Belgian international was excluded from the preparations for Sunday’s derby at Ibrox, adding fuel to mounting speculation about his future.

Raskin, a standout performer last season, surprisingly began on the bench during Rangers’ humiliating 6-0 defeat to Club Brugge in midweek, which sealed a crushing 9-1 aggregate exit from the Champions League play-offs. Following the match, Martin appeared to cast doubt on the 24-year-old’s long-term role, while Raskin’s father, Thierry, reportedly criticised the under-pressure manager on social media.

Pressed repeatedly in Friday’s press conference about whether Raskin would feature against Celtic, Martin offered only vague assurances:
“Everyone’s here and available. Nico trained today. Things can change—the transfer window is still open. I don’t know the final squad yet. You’ll have to wait and see.”

The Rangers boss also rejected claims of a rift, insisting his relationship with Raskin—and the entire squad—remains “honest and open.”

The uncertainty comes at a critical juncture. Defeat on Sunday could leave Rangers nine points adrift of the champions, piling more pressure on Martin, who has managed just three wins from his first ten games in charge.

After the midweek disaster, Martin confirmed backing from chief executive Patrick Stewart and director of football Kevin Thelwell, and revealed he has spoken to chairman Andrew Cavenagh since the Champions League collapse. He described those talks as “honest conversations,” stressing that now the focus must shift from words to results:
“It’s time for action. We can talk and train all we want, but we have to deliver on Sunday. The only way to get the fans back is by winning—and there’s no bigger stage than this.”

Despite the gloom, Martin believes the Old Firm clash offers a chance for redemption:
“It’s one of the biggest games in world football. After a huge disappointment, you get the chance to put things right.”


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