Russell Martin Risks Rangers Fan Fury With Latest Nico Raskin Decision

Russell Martin has risked the fury of Rangers fans again after revealing Nico Raskin would not be involved for the squad this weekend.

Gers face off against Hearts in the Scottish Premiership in the coming days and desperately need a win to kickstart their campaign.

It has been a torrid season so far for Martin and his Light Blues who are yet to pick up a win in the league with just four draws from as many fixtures.

Raskin was left out of the Celtic clash on derby day before the international break due to a fallout with the boss and that left punters raging and seriously questioning their coach.

Aston Villa had interest in Raskin before the transfer window shut but he remains a Gers player despite being bombed out recently.

Russell Martin fell out with Rangers star Raskin

Now, with the Jambos on their way to Ibrox on Saturday, Martin has moved to explain his decision behind keeping the Belgian international out of his matchday thoughts despite the 24-year-old returning to training with the first team.

“He won’t be in the squad tomorrow,” the former Southampton and MK Dons head coach revealed.

“We have a lot of conversations as we do with every player, but he’s back training with the squad which is a good step.

“Now, like every player, he has a duty to make sure he earns the trust of all his other team-mates, coaching staff and the staff in the building to help us win football matches.

“It’s the same for every player here.

Raskin is back in training but won’t face Hearts

“The most important thing is Nico knows why, the players know why and we all move forward and we have to win football matches now.

“He’s part of a squad in training that needs to help that and put himself back in the squad and the team to help us win matches.

“It’s never a personal thing, it’s always professional. My job is to do what I feel is best for the team, for the club.

“It’s not about me, it’s not about Nico, it’s about everyone. We’ve got a really good group now, a really good squad, we’re so happy with it.”

Martin’s comments on trust could be misconstrued but there is no doubting Raskin’s importance to the team at Ibrox.

The player netted for his country against Kazakhstan in their World Cup qualifier last week and started the game for the Red Devils.

It remains to be seen whether or not the two will find a common ground and put aside their differences.

However the manager may have to act fast and swallow his pride or risk losing the fans altogether and potentially his job in the process.