Russell Martin endures continuous aggression and doubt about his capability as Rangers manager, compounded by probing over his relationships with players, notably Nico Raskin. Rangers are winless in three Scottish Premiership games after a humiliating defeat in Bruges, and the support is increasingly furious. Raskin's father publicly criticised Martin's treatment of his son, intensifying questions about the Belgium international's role. Martin confirmed Raskin trained and that the whole squad is present, but he emphasised selection will be based on winning the game and noted the transfer window leaves squad places uncertain. The manager's responses were evasive and met with repeated follow-ups.
For Russell Martin, there is no respite from the aggression and the gloom, the severe questioning of his worth as Rangers manager and the probing about his relationship with certain players; the club's best performer from last season, Nico Raskin, chief among them. At the Rangers training centre on Friday, the manager wanted to look forward, not back. "It's just time for action," he said of Celtic's visit to Ibrox on Sunday, but the mood wasn't about Celtic
And it was uncomfortable and not at all clear as to what, precisely, is going on with the Belgium international. Is he in or out? Is he playing on Sunday or not? Has he been banished to the margins? Does he have a future at the club? "Is Nico Raskin in the squad for Sunday," Martin was asked. "Yeah, everyone's here, everyone's available and the squad and the team will be picked on what we think is the best way to win the game."
A follow-up: "So, just for clarity, Nico trained today and is" "Nico is in training today, yes." Martin replied. "And he's in the squad for Sunday?" "I've just said to you, the whole squad is here, things can change, the transfer window's open so I can't tell you anyone's going to definitely be in the squad at all." But he had already suggested Raskin was in the squad. Hence, another follow-up.
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