Raskin not in Rangers squad to face Hearts following meeting with Martin.

The Belgian midfielder has stated that he intends to battle for his place at Ibrox. According to STV, Nicolas Raskin will not be in the Rangers’ squad to face Hearts on Saturday after conversations with head coach Russell Martin.

The Ibrox side will play Derek McInnes’ Hearts this weekend in pursuit of their first league win after a torrid start, but the 24-year-old Belgian will not be available.

The midfielder was left out of the Rangers’ match against Celtic last month and has not been a regular starter under the new manager, despite being a standout last season.

That has sparked speculation regarding his future at Ibrox, however Martin has denied that there has been a breach in the relationship.

Some fans have been enraged by his absence from critical games, while Martin himself stated after the 6-0 loss to Club Brugge that Raskin was one of several players with “uncertainty” about his future with the club.

Raskin’s father also rushed to social media to blast Martin, questioning why veteran players from last year’s European campaign, including his son, were left out of critical games.

The midfielder remained at Rangers after the Scottish transfer market closed, while some countries can still sign players.

After missing the derby against Celtic, which ended 0-0 and left Rangers winless in the Premiership after four games, Raskin left for international duty with Belgium, where he scored in a 6-0 victory over Kazakhstan on Sunday.

While in Belgium, he spoke with Dutch-language media site Voetbalkrant, saying his situation was “complicated” but he had no plans to leave Rangers.

“My situation at the club is complicated,” he told me. “I will return, work hard, and strive to regain playing time. “But it’s not entirely up to me.

I understand that this is an important year, and I am eager to participate in this effort alongside Belgium.

“Football is just a game of ups and downs. Rangers are my ultimate favourite team. “I’ve had some fantastic experiences there and have a close connection with the supporters. I always try to provide my best.

“A transfer?” That is completely out of the question. I want to continue resolving this at the club. Kevin Thelwell, Rangers’ sporting director, also gave an interview last week.

On his return to Glasgow, he met with Martin but remains out of the first-team picture, with the head coach set to be questioned about the relationship at his media conference on Friday.

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