Nicolas Raskin has obtained his work permit and could be available for selection when Rangers meet Ross County this weekend.
The Belgian midfielder was announced on deadline day after arriving from Standard Liege, ending a lengthy pursuit of the highly-rated 21-year-old. But he was only able to watch on during Wednesday's 3-0 Premiership win against Hearts due to his paperwork not being in yet. Work permits are required for players coming into UK football from overseas there's many factors that get considered when awarding them but he now has the green light.
He revealed: "I feel ready, I got all my paperwork today so I am ready. I hope I am in the squad tomorrow as I am very excited to hopefully play tomorrow if selected by the coach. I loved the way the manager explains how he wants to play football, passing, and creating. I was searching for a style of play close to what I know. I really want to continue with a big club with a great atmosphere and play in European competition in future. I want to win trophies, I want to play in the Champions League, not just to play, I want to compete at this level."
If a player doesn't come over with full caps for their country, they can't be guaranteed an automatic pass in line with the SFA's rules. Raskin has only played for Belgium's youth sides so didn't pass, but he now has all the red tape cleared ahead of Saturday's league match against the Staggies at Ibrox. Rangers title ambitions may be faltering but under boss Michael Beale, he still holds hopes, sitting nine points off leaders Celtic.
He said: "I want to be a champion and know what it's like to be a champion here. I want to win trophies here and I want to make something in Europe. I heard we are nine points behind. We still have two games against them and everything can change fast, the team is confident.”
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