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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Mark Walker

Rangers target Nicolas Raskin branded 'monster on the pitch' by ex-Celtic boss Deila

Former Celtic manager Ronny Deila reckons Rangers target Nicolas Raskin is a 'monster' on the pitch and should have played at the World Cup for Belgium.

Rangers have reportedly resurrected their interest in the Standard Liege midfielder, who has been frozen out at the club after refusing to sign a new deal.

Standard boss Deila, who was in charge at Parkhead for two years, has dumped Raskin in the reserves under instructions of the club and has made it clear he won't play for him again unless he signs a new deal.

But he's previously stressed how much he rates the 21-year-old as a player, after Deila joined the Belgian club in the summer.

And he reckons former Belgium boss Roberto Martinez made a big mistake not taking Raskin to Qatar for the World Cup.

He said: "Nicolas Raskin is a monster on the pitch and has been so good for me since I came to the club.

"We're talking about a leader, a man who plays on the front foot and has great vision. His level seems to be improving every week.

"His game is evolving too and it's important he maintains this level of performance.

"I am proud of him because he has improved so much. Before, he was a much more emotional player, but now he is much calmer and more disciplined on the pitch.

"He has a great career ahead of him.

"There were a lot of good players in the Belgium squad at the World Cup, but he would not have looked out of place. He is certainly one of the best midfielders in the league just now, no one can deny that.

"I thought he should have been in the squad personally, but it wasn't my decision.

"He is ambitious and he has dreams of the big stage. His time will come."

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