While Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin is enjoying his first taste of international duty with Belgium, Celtic fans are still nursing the pain of their recent Old Firm defeat.
Raskin has been in exceptional form for Rangers in recent weeks, delivering a standout performance in their 3-2 win over Celtic at Parkhead. Barry Ferguson praised the midfielder after the match but believes there’s still more to come from the Belgian.
Raskin’s impressive displays have caught the attention of Belgium’s national team, earning him his first call-up for their UEFA Nations League double-header against Ukraine. His selection came at the expense of Celtic’s Arne Engels, and the first images of Raskin in training with the Belgian squad have now surfaced online.
Raskin Joins Belgium Squad Under New Coach Rudi Garcia
Belgium’s national team is undergoing a period of change, with French coach Rudi Garcia taking charge for the first time. Philippe Clement had been linked to the job when former boss Domenico Tedesco’s position was in doubt, but Belgium ultimately opted for Garcia.
Garcia has rewarded Raskin with a place in a star-studded squad that includes Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne, Jeremy Doku, Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, Aston Villa’s Youri Tielemans, and Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard. Even former Rangers target Michy Batshuayi, now at Eintracht Frankfurt, has been called up to cover for injured players.
Raskin Replaces £50m Aston Villa Star Amadou Onana
Garcia explained Raskin’s inclusion, revealing that the Rangers star was brought in to replace Aston Villa’s £50m midfielder Amadou Onana, who is recovering from injury.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Garcia said:
“We can’t bring everyone. We had to find a solution after Amadou Onana was ruled out because he’s not fully fit yet. That’s why some players, including Nico Raskin, are part of the squad for the first time. Raskin played 120 minutes against Fenerbahce and will feature against Celtic this weekend, so we’ll make sure he’s ready for Thursday.”
Raskin, who was previously tracked by Barcelona before Rangers secured his signature in January 2023, is now showcasing why he was such a coveted talent. As Belgium prepares for their Nations League playoff clash with Ukraine, the Ibrox midfielder is sharing the stage with some of the biggest names
in world football.
