- Ibrox manager brings star in from the cold after patching up differences
- He nets opening goal to help dump Hibs out of Premier Sports Cup
- But unhappy fans keep heat on boss with protests before and during game
Nico Raskin and Russell Martin vowed to bury the hatchet last night after the Belgian midfielder propelled Rangers to the semi-finals of the Premier Sports Cup.
The 24-year-old was brought back in from the cold for the visit of Hibs and scored the opening goal before playing a crucial role in the second.
Raskin had been left out following issues behind the scenes that saw Martin insists he he had to earn the trust of his team-mates and the staff at the club.
However, both men have vowed to put the past behind them in a bid to get the Ibrox outfit’s season on track following a dreadful start that sees them sit second-bottom of the Premiership despite having a Hampden semi to look forward to.
Asked if it was nice to be back, Raskin said: “Yes, it is, finally. I think it’s in the past now. We put a good performance on the pitch and we have to look forward and build on that.
‘I think everything’s now been perfect. I think I didn’t enjoy some part of it. I think the manager didn’t enjoy some part of it. We had a good chat and, hopefully, we can just work together and have a very good spell together.
Raskin roars with delight after firing Rangers into the lead against Hibs
Raskin rises to head the Ibrox side in front in their Premier Sports Cup showdown
Skipper James Tavernier is among the first to congratulate Raskin on his goal
‘It’s things that happen in football. We are an emotional club, an emotional team. I just want to win.
‘We just want to give back to the fans what they give to us. I think the support I had was amazing.
‘For someone that’s not born here, it just feels amazing, but it’s not about me or the manager. It’s about the team. It’s about the club. It’s about how we go forward, how we win games.
‘The season’s still very long and we still have a lot of things to play for.
‘If we can go through this tough time as a team, as a club, we’ll only get better.’
Martin, meanwhile, has insisted he has a strong relationship with Raskin and believes they can carve out a productive path together following discussions.
Ibrox boss Martin embraces Raskin after the pair patched up their differences
Rangers fans unfurl banners during the cup-tie seeking Martin’s sacking
‘I just got asked a question about any regrets and all that stuff. I think probably myself and Nico will feel similar,’ he said.
‘It’s disappointing it went on, but also maybe it’s necessary for the whole culture of this football club, for the players to understand, for Niko to really grow.
‘Contrary to popular belief, we have a good relationship, a good working relationship. He wants to play, he wants to win. He did some brilliant stuff today. I thought he was outstanding.
But like everyone else, there’ll be stuff he can improve on as well and really help him and help us as a group. I’m proud of him today. He was fantastic. And hopefully, we’ve found a role that will really suit him and help him and then he’ll play in that way to really help the team.’
