Whether it is necessity or desperation, Philippe Clement will have to find some form of positivity from the dismal defeat at Parkhead.
The manager doesn’t have much to choose from, however, there was a welcome return for a player who was out in the cold last season.
Nicolas Raskin was on the end of a horror tackle in pre-season just as he was getting up to speed but can look back on his 15 minute cameo in the Old Firm knowing that reclaiming his place in Rangers starting XI isn’t far behind.
Nicolas Raskin fights his way back into Rangers favour
Raskin brought and energy and bravery to a midfield that had shown neither before his introduction.
This is a bit harsh on Connor Barron who had at least looked to try and get his team up the park.
As for Dujon Sterling and Mohamed Diomande, the post game analysis won’t be quite so kind.
It’s worth remembering just how far out of the picture Raskin was as recently as April when Clement explained why there was no sign of his compatriot in an Old Firm squad at Ibrox:
“He started really well and played the first game [after I was appointed] and scored. He was one of our best players that day.
“Afterwards he got an injury and was out for a longer time and then there became more competition in the midfield. We have a lot of guys who did a lot of good things and Nico is among them, with Lunny (John Lundstram) the stable factor all the time.
“Kieran Dowell did good things in midfield, Tom Lawrence in the number eight role, Dio came in, Dujon Sterling did good things – so there’s a lot of competition. It’s not that Nico is doing things bad now or not good. No. He’s working really hard.
“I see him evolving also. He’s better than when I saw him in October. He is a better player. But there is more competition also. That’s what you need in a top team to perform and to win a lot of games.”
Raskin is the best man for the number six job
With no number six in the squad, the position is up for grabs.
Rangers need dynamism or legs in midfield.
Against Celtic at Hampden in the Scottish Cup final, Raskin kept John Lundstram out the team.
The result, he was one of Rangers best players.
What he does well, is stick to the basics.
Raskin having a bad game is still hard working and energetic, but too many seemed to let their heads go down when Celtic went 2-0 up.
Is he the saviour and the player who will make everything alright? No.
What Raskin is though and s the best fit for the job Philippe Clement needs done in midfield.
