One down four to go. The unanimous feeling amongst the Rangers fans who have grown sick of what they are watching on a weekly basis.
With 10 days to prepare, Barry Ferguson once again proved why he should be nowhere near the job as Rangers manager with another baffling array of decisions.
Sticking with the bulk of players from a Rangers squad who have failed all season, it was a source of frustration for many seeing Danilo, Findlay Curtis and Oscar Cortes all fail to get off the bench in a game void of any creativity.
In terms of pass marks, there were slim pickings.
One player who at least tried to make a difference was Nicolas Raskin who, despite his struggles with Rangers this season, has been backed to be an international regular.
Belgium boss Rudi Garcia in Nicolas Raskin praise
It’s not come from a former player, pundit or teammate either.
Belgium’s manager Rudi Garcia has been effusive in his praise of the Rangers No.43 via RTL Sports:
“Our team needs the defensive skills of an Onana or a Raskin. We can’t have a team that only plays with the ball. Defensive aggression isn’t a matter of size or weight, but of mentality.
“Nicolas isn’t tall or strong, but he wins a lot of duels. Amadou Onana can bring that athleticism to the midfield. It’s good to have this complementary mix of profiles.”
Should Rangers cash in on Nicolas Raskin?
Raskin has two years left on his current contract at Rangers and, if he doesn’t want or get offered new terms given his status as one of the first names on the team sheet, then there is a decision to be made.
On too many occasions in the past, the best players have been stored and allowed to run their contracts down.
Both Joe Aribo and Glen Kamara brought in big fees, but they were into their final year and their full/peak values weren’t met.
At 24-years old, Raskin is at the perfect age to be sold too, clubs from top five leagues will have noticed his performances in Europe and his man of the match display for Belgium – even if domestic football continues to be a struggle.
