As Rangers prepare to face off against Celtic in the Scottish Premiership, fan attentions are turning to the fitness of Belgian U21 international Nicolas Raskin.
The pressure is on the Ibrox side to deliver a big performance after that shoddy Hampden League Cup Final display and put a dent in their Old Firm rivals confidence – and points advantage – heading into the final furlong.
But the club’s sheepish players will have to win the game without a single bluenose in the stadium as Rangers and Celtic both face fan lock-outs for the final two derbies of the season.
Whilst the pressure is on the team to stand up and be counted, it’s also on Michael Beale to get the major calls right with the ex-Ibrox assistant’s copybook blotted by a capitulation in the Cup Final.
It remains the only major blip in Michael Beale’s start to Ibrox life and after two failed attempts against Celtic, Rangers must show progress on the road.
Rangers face Nicolas Raskin Celtic waiting game
The Ibrox manager was resoundingly criticised for not throwing new starts Nicolas Raskin and Todd Cantwell into the match with Celtic and the Rangers boss faces some big calls here.
John Lundstram has been out talking up the Ibrox side ahead of the match, but after his own showing in the last clash with Celtic fan opinion has begun to turn around the Rangers midfielder.
But Rangers may have their options limited by an injury to Nicolas Raskin, whose spent the last few weeks on the sidelines due to a hamstring problem.
However, ahead of the 2-0 win over Dundee Utd, Rangers manager Beale claimed that Nicolas Raskin is in line to return to the side next week.
“We’ll be missing Raskin, he will be returning to training next week,” said Beale.
“Next week, Raskin and Leon King should be available so we will get two more bodies back.”
