Derek McInnes is playing for time amid the impending departure of Nico Raskin, as everyone waits for clarity on the Belgian international midfielder’s future.
Raskin played in midweek as Rangers lost to Jagiellonia Bialystok in the Europa League qualifying tie, and he is likely to see action once again on Sunday when Hibs come to Glasgow for Scottish Premiership business.
Rangers vs Hibs is another important game for McInnes as he strives for his first competitive win, but his comments on Raskin are a case of playing for time and using the situation to his and the team’s advantage.
Nico Raskin expected to leave Rangers this month
There is an expectation that Nico Raskin will be sold this summer.
That can only happen when an acceptable bid lands on the table, but with his contract situation, his increased profile after a positive World Cup campaign, and the midfielders acquired in this transfer window, all the signals point to a parting of the ways.
Despite all that, in the here and now, there’s a strong argument that Rangers need Raskin’s impact.
That was the case in the second half in Poland on Thursday and nothing has changed since then.
There is concern that the team isn’t playing well and looks far from settled. In the middle, Mo Diomande, Tochi Chukwuani, Dan Neil and Cammy Devlin have all featured, but there’s no sign of quality or consistency.
Vanja Dragojevic got his first minutes as a sub against Jagiellonia, and he will be hungry for more against Hibs.
McInnes needs Raskin right now
Ahead of Rangers vs Hibs, McInnes was asked about Raskin, and his response was interesting.
It all but revealed the expectation that he will leave, but until that happens, he is very likely to feature.
“I’ve always admired Nico, said McInnes, as reported by the Rangers Review.
“I’ve always wanted to be his manager. There are certain boys you are drawn to. I think that he has that standard.
“He has a standard, more often than not, that fits this club. I think he cares for the club. I think he cares about results. He’s impressed through his training and if he can just play as he’s trained, then he’s going to be a good option for us.
“We probably got him on a bit sooner on Thursday. I just felt we needed his know-how about the pitch. I think while he’s here, we’ll use him because there are too many variables still about if he could stay or if he is going to go.
“I came into this with my eyes wide open – we knew there was a flight risk with him and we knew that it might be time for Nico to look for something else.
“If somebody meets the club’s valuation and it’s something that Nico fancies, then it might be his time to move on. But while he’s here, I’ll try and enjoy working with him. I think he’s enjoying his work here and he’s always cared for the club.”
Keeping the door open. Playing for time. Derek McInnes needs results for his Rangers team and right now, those prospects are enhanced with Nico Raskin on the pitch
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