Rangers head coach Russell Martin praised his side for their performance in the 2-0 win over Hibs and said Nico Raskin was “brilliant” on his return to the team.
The Ibrox side booked their place in the Premier Sports Cup semi-finals after goals from Raskin and Bojan Miovski settled a tough tie that took place against the backdrop of a fan protest, and with the spotlight on the under-pressure Rangers boss.
Supporters have called for Martin to be sacked after a poor start to the season but the team put their Premiership woes behind them to see off Hibs with what Martin thought was one of their best displays since he took charge in June.
“It was probably the performance I enjoyed the most, maybe Plzen, but the team looked how we want it to look,” the head coach said. “Loads to improve and loads to build on.
“We could maybe have scored a couple more goals as the team grew in confidence but I’m really proud of them.
“I’m really grateful for the players that have given us this week, the support, the staff as well. How happy they were for the group to win. I think to do that in those circumstances is not easy, so I’m really proud of them. They’ve been amazing this week and they took it onto the pitch.”
While Martin has been criticised for the performances of the team and results so far, there has also been a focus on his relationship with Belgian midfielder Raskin. Though and important player last season, Raskin had not featured much under Martin and then spent a time away from the first team squad, and even after training with the group Martin said he had to “regain the trust” of players and staff.
On his return to the team Raskin scored the opener, provided a key pass in the build-up to the second goal and was named man of the match. Martin was impressed by his performance and insisted that there was no issue between coach and player.
“He was brilliant,” the head coach said. “He was really, really good.
“I think the position we played him in today, the role we gave him helped him. [Mohamed Diomande] helped him with the discipline Dio had, it was fantastic.
“But I thought Nico was outstanding. He has to use this, like so many of the players on the pitch today. Thelo [Aasgaard] had his best performance, for sure. Jayden [Meghoma] was fantastic. Derek [Cornelius] coming into the team was great. John Souttar and [James Tavernier], you know exactly when you get. Tav’s role was a bit different today, but it helped Mikey Moore so much.
“So there’s so many of them that have to use today as a springboard and something to build from.”
Reflecting on the issues he has had with Raskin, he said that both he and the Belgium international could move on and be better now things had been resolved.
“I think probably myself and Nico will feel similar, like it’s disappointing it went on,” he said. “But also maybe it’s necessary for the whole culture of this football club, for the players to understand, for Nico to really grow.
“But contrary to belief, we have a good relationship, working relationship. He wants to play, he wants to win.
“He did some brilliant stuff today. But like everyone else, there’ll be stuff he can improve on as well and really help him and help us as a group.
“I’m proud of him today. He was fantastic. And hopefully for me, for us as coaches, we found a role that will really suit him and help him. And then he’ll play in that way to really help the team.”
Follow STV News on WhatsApp
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
