Rangers manager Derek McInnes stated he fully expects midfielder Nico Raskin to remain with the club for the rest of the season after a potential transfer to Besiktas did not materialize. Raskin's future has been a subject of speculation throughout the summer, and he had previously been left out of two recent squads, suggesting his departure.
However, Raskin was a surprise starter in Rangers' recent victory over Falkirk. McInnes expressed his satisfaction with the midfielder's availability, noting that the transfer was not something Raskin or the club entertained. "I think he will [stay]," McInnes said. "Obviously Nico’s had an opportunity to go today, and it wasn’t something he wanted or the club, I believe, entertained. It was hardly the ideal preparation."
McInnes highlighted Raskin's experience as valuable for the team, especially given the team's need for seasoned players. "I’ve been keen to utilise Nico, but there’s been a lot going on for him. He’s been training with us every day, and I do think at times the team needs a bit more experience. I think the team, at times, needs that, so I was always keen to get him involved tonight."
The match against Falkirk also saw a strong performance from captain Lawrence Shankland, who scored two goals to secure a 2-1 victory. McInnes praised Shankland's contribution, acknowledging a difficult start to the season for the player and the team. "His first goal was a fantastic strike," McInnes commented. "I’m delighted for him because it’s not been, like for all of us, the easiest of starts."
Meanwhile, Norwegian midfielder Thelo Aasgaard has completed an initial loan move to Anderlecht. The Belgian club has the option to purchase him for approximately £4 million after paying close to £1 million for the loan.
Falkirk manager John McGlynn acknowledged Shankland's effectiveness, noting that the striker punishes any space given in the box. "If you give Lawrence any kind of space in the box, he’s going to punish you. And he’s got a wee habit of doing it against us."