Russell Martin fails to clear up uncertainty over key player ahead of Old Firm clash

Nico Raskin was one of Rangers’ standout performers last season but has been frozen out by Russell Martin and his future at Ibrox is in serious doubt

Russell Martin failed to provide clarity over Nico Raskin’s situation ahead of Rangers’ crucial clash with Celtic on Sunday. Reports suggested the 24 year old Belgian midfielder was not included in plans for the champions’ visit to Ibrox.

Raskin, who was among the Gers’ standout performers last term, began Wednesday’s devastating 6-0 loss to Club Brugge on the substitutes’ bench, contributing to a crushing 9-1 aggregate elimination from the Champions League play-offs.

Following that result, Martin appeared to question the player’s prospects, whilst Raskin’s father, Thierry, allegedly took aim at the embattled Rangers manager on social media. Martin also apologised for the Rangers display in Belgium.

During the press briefing ahead of the Celtic encounter at the Rangers training facility, Martin faced repeated questioning about Raskin, initially regarding his squad inclusion.

He said: “Everyone’s here and available and the squad and the team will be picked on what we believe is the best way to win the game. Nico was in training today. I just said to you, the whole squad is here.

“Things can change. The transfer window is open, so I can’t tell you anyone’s going to definitely be in the squad or not.

“I don’t know the squad. I don’t know how people train and they feel, so wait and see. I don’t think I’ve ever named a squad this early before, two days before a big game.”

When pressed to outline his relationship with Raskin, Martin responded: “I describe my relationship with all the players, all the staff, as honest, open.

“I don’t think you could have anything else apart from that.

“There’s not a breakdown in any relationships here. If it’s honest and open, there can’t be a breakdown in any relationships.”

Rangers risk falling nine points behind Celtic in the William Hill Premiership this weekend.

Following the crushing defeat in Belgium, the ex-Southampton manager confirmed he still has the backing of chief executive Patrick Stewart and director of football Kevin Thelwell.

Martin, who has managed to secure three victories in his first 10 games in charge, also disclosed that he has since had a chat with chairman Andrew Cavenagh, who spearheaded the American consortium including 49ers Enterprises that took over Rangers in June, following the catastrophic loss.

He stated: “I spoke to Andrew, just honest conversation, it has been from day one, nothing’s changed and I didn’t get any different feeling from them.

“They’ve been great and really supportive and he’ll be at training tomorrow as well, which was planned already.

“So I look forward to seeing him. We’ve had a lot of conversations here.

“As a group, individually, players, staff, good conversations but now it’s just time for action.

“So we can talk as much as we want, train as well as we want, but now we have to make sure we deliver a performance on Sunday.

“I think this game was always going to be important for anyone.

“It’s our fourth league game, the manner of defeat (in Belgium) makes everything feel terrible.

“We’ve qualified for the Europa League and we’ve got a chance to put things right on Sunday. All focus is on that after Wednesday night. It’s about responding properly.

“I think the only way you get fans back on side is by winning football matches, simple as that, and there’s no bigger game than this one.

“It’s one of the biggest games in the world in terms of the interest and everyone involved, and that’s the brilliant thing about football that after the disappointment in midweek you have the opportunity to put things right.”