Excited Nico Raskin says he’s expecting "something great” next year from Michael Beale’s new-look Rangers.
The Ibrox boss is planning a major overhaul of his squad with as many as a dozen ins and outs on the cards. But his existing stars showed they’re determined to stick around and play a part too after racking up their first Old Firm triumph of the season. Beale handed opportunities to fringe men Robby McCrorie, Ridvan Yilmaz and Rabbi Matondo on Saturday and was rewarded as they contributed to an emphatic 3-0 victory over Celtic in this term’s final derby meeting between Glasgow’s big two.
The result may mean nothing for this season’s trophy chase but Raskin reckons it promises scope for hope next year as he backed those second-stringers to play a more prominent role going forward. He said: “I think when you come here, you have to adapt. Me too. Just give them time and you will see.
“I think they are going to do something great next season. I know Rabbi for a long time and he's a top player, I can tell you, so I am excited to see him for next season.
"Next season is going to be important for us. I know we have a lot to train on. Pre-season will be hard. We need to be that same team and try to do more and more. We have to believe in ourselves. Am I excited for next season after this result? Yeah, a lot!”
Beale is starting to put his pieces together for next season. Ryan Jack should put pen to paper on a new deal early this week while a move for Chelsea defender Dujon Sterling is also entering the final stages. Arsenal kid Auston Trusty and Honduran hitman Luis Palma are also being monitored while Crystal Palace keeper Jack Butland and Norwich’s Kieran Dowell remain priority targets too.
And the Rangers boss will hoping his new recruits settle in just as swiftly as January additions Raskin and Todd Cantwell. The duo ran the show for Beale’s team, with Cantwell proving his main man credentials after scoring the opener and forcing the defensive blunder that led to Fashion Sakala scoring their third. And Raskin had nothing but admiration for his midfield partner.
He said: “Todd’s a special player. He’s very important for us. And now he's scoring goals. He's very good for us and we enjoy playing with him.
"But we are not two. We are five, six, with Glen Kamara, Scott Arfield, John Lundstram, Jacko, even Alex Lowry who came on at the weekend. I think we are creating a good team. But I especially have a good relationship with Todd.”
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