The interim Ibrox boss admits he sees too much of himself in Raskin after clashing over his best position
15:44, 11 May 2025Updated 15:44, 11 May 2025
Barry Ferguson gives instructions to Nicolas Raskin
Barry Ferguson admits he’s had a barney with Nico Raskin over his best position – but reckons there’s no arguing with the Rangers ace’s potential to reach the top.
The Light Blues caretaker was relieved to see his side roar past Aberdeen and finally notch up his first win in charge at Ibrox following seven failed attempts.
And it was midfield dictator Raskin who led the way after teeing up opening goal scorers Vaclav Cerny and Cyriel Dessers as Gers cantered to a 4-0 triumph over Jimmy Thelin’s dozy Dons.
Raskin now has 10 assists for the season, with six of them coming since Ferguson took over as interim boss.
The former skipper revealed he’s had some fiery conversations with the 24-year-old while debating how to get the best out of him.
But Fergie’s convinced there is a lot more to come.
He said: “Nico will tell you he wants to be a No.6. I think he can be a No.6 – but I also think he needs to add different attributes to his game. I think he can play further forward. It’s good to have that flexibility.
“We’ve had a few arguments, should we say, but I don’t mind that. He’s a good boy. He’s got really good ability, there’s no doubt.
Cyriel Dessers of Rangers celebrates his goal with Nicolas Raskin
“Certainly from the turn of the year, his levels of performance have been up there.
“Do I see a bit of myself in him? Yeah, too much of myself! That’s why I argue with him!
“He’s got an opinion, but I don’t mind people with opinions. I just think if he works on things that we speak about, he’s got a real chance of playing at the top.”
Ferguson is still waiting to be told if he will be the man tasked with leading the club’s American revolution next season.
And he was quick to dodge questions on whether former Standard Liege battler Raskin should be the first name on next term’s new-look line-up.
“I’m not going to get into that,” he said. “I don’t know his contract situation. I’m just going to enjoy the last couple of games, managing and coaching Nico.”
Ferguson certainly enjoyed his team’s second half show as he finally earned his maiden Ibrox win as boss.
Raskin slotted Cerny through for the opener on 55 minutes, before picking out Dessers moments later for his 26th goal of the season.
Substitute Hamza Igamane – on at half-time for the ineffective Nedim Bajrami – slammed home a long-range peach with 20 minutes remaining before Jefte opened his Gers account in stoppage time, not that he knew much about it as a Cerny strike ricocheted off his hip and past despairing Dons No1 Dimitar Mitov.
Ferguson said: “It was a thoroughly deserved three points. First half I wasn’t too happy. I thought we were a bit pedestrian on the ball. I was a bit frustrated.
“Half time I made a change, I wanted a few more runners from midfield to give Aberdeen some problems.
Rangers’ Nicolas Raskin and Aberdeen’s Nicky Devlin battle for the ball
“After that we caused them all sorts of problems. In the end we ran over the top of Aberdeen. Just disappointed it was only four. It could have been more.
“But look, it’s been far too long, seven games without a win. Just happy to get that victory finally.”
Asked if the second-half showing offered a peak at what Rangers could look like when things click, Ferguson – who will likely have just two more games in charge as Gers round off the season at home to Dundee United before Saturday’s curtain-closer at Easter Road – replied: “I see when they can offer when they listen as well.
“They can be a good team. Their commitment and attitude has always been really good for me. I can never label that against them. It’s just the quality at times.
“So we worked really hard during the week on things that we can get better at. And it was just nice to see things happen when you work with things on the training ground.
“Look, it’s not been good enough this season. It’s been way off it. I’ve come in and I’ve tried to change it.
“One thing about it I’ve changed is the attitude of the players has been really good. There’s been a few bumps.
“There’s certainly a lot of good players in there. They just need to make sure we finish the season strongly. And then we’ll take it from there, whatever happens.”
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