Nicolas Raskin admits he needs one month to be fully fit for Rangers as he claimed that he will have an unlikely cheerleader in his corner for the game against Celtic.
Rangers are set for a showpiece Viaplay Cup final with their bitter rivals as Michael Beale's unbeaten team go in to the game nine points behind in the league but haven't tasted defeat. And new signing Raskin has already impressed as part of a renewed midfield, making his full debut against Partick Thistle before starting against Livingston in a 3-0 triumph at the weekend.
The 21-year-old admits he is confident he can handle the pressure-cooker atmosphere of Hampden Park and admits ex-Celtic boss Ronny Deila - who won trophies for the Hoops at the national stadium - might even be cheering him on despite his Parkhead predilections. He said: “I don’t know, we don’t speak about that. But I’m sure he’ll want me to win!”
READ MORE: Rangers penalty call 'crazy' verdict as pundits make 'that's why VAR is there' claim
When asked if the pair had spoken, he said: “Not yet, but he’ll maybe send me a text. But you know, he’s busy with something else now.
“Ronny and I have a good relationship. He helped me a lot to grow. Yeah, he’s sent me some texts, we talked a bit. We’d already talked a bit before I left, but he’s on the other side!”
On cup final, he added: “Of course I feel ready. I think the boys are coming back for the cup final, but, yeah, I’m ready.
“I like to play in big games like that. I like to play with pressure. I’m very excited about that game. I’m very excited to play against Celtic in this cup final because in football you only remember trophies. I’m here to win trophies, so I can’t wait.
“I’ve spoken to the guys and they all say it’s going to be crazy, something I’ve never seen before. So I’m really excited to see this atmosphere and see what it’s like to play in it.
“Give me one month and I’ll be totally fit physically. When you arrive into a team, you need time to know the principles of the team, but hopefully I can grow and be a better player than I’m showing now.”
READ NEXT:
- Rangers penalty call 'crazy' verdict as pundits make 'that's why VAR is there' claim
- Scott Brown's Celtic or Rangers decision and 'one place I wanted to go' response after Hoops chat
- Pedro Mendes on whirlwind Rangers transfer as he joked 'don't kill me' on first team night out
