Rangers ace opens up on long-term future and recalls being axed from Celtic squad

This time, he is front of centre of a Rangers renaissance with speculation rife that he is set to extend his contract in Govan.

Raskin was jettisoned from the squad by then Rangers manager Russell Martin for the visit of Celtic on August 31, 2025. A public fall-out between the two had ensued amid a challenging start to the season and with English Premier League clubs noting the situation, some feared the Belgium internationalist would leave.

As it transpired, Raskin remained and in early October, it was Martin who vacated the premises. The 25-year-old has flourished under current head coach Danny Rohl and is one of the key men in a team that has only lost once domestically since the German took over and sits second in the Premiership.

“Yeah, it's a big turnaround,” said Raskin when he was asked to cast his mind back to the first Old Firm derby of the season, where the fans chanted his name despite his absence. “I think the manager is a big part of this. He brought us freshness, calmness, stability and some confidence.

“It was difficult because that's the kind of game we love to play. The pressure and the tension in that game is what brings the best out of you. In the past, I've just looked forward to the next game and tried to make the best of it.

“I was watching the game on TV, so I could hear everything. I did really appreciate that [the support]. That's why we want to give it back and win the game for the fans for everyone in Glasgow who supports Rangers. We know this is a massive game for everyone and it's massive for the club.

“It's really good to see where we came from to now, but we need to make sure we keep going because there's no point in all of this to just lose everything now. So that's why we're now focused on the last ten games and we need to make sure we make it.”

Rangers bettered the goalless draw in August with a 3-1 win at Celtic Park in January. “I wouldn't say we have the solutions because it's always a very tough game, a very small fighting game,” he said of facing the arch rival. “We just know what gave us success in the last couple of games and we want to try to replicate it and win the game.”

It was reported earlier in the week that Raskin, who is contracted until 2027, could be in line for bumper new deal at the club. The Belgium internationalist was coy on such talk but is clearly back enjoying life as a Rangers player.

“I have two more seasons, so I don't think there's a need to do anything now,” added Raskin. “I'm really good here. We're focused on what's coming next. We've got big, big game on Sunday. Then we've got a new squad at the club and we've got a future for the club.”