Rangers: Bedspreads, Nico Raskin & progression – can Russell Martin breath easier?

Martin is in “damned if you do and damned if you don’t” territory.

Of the many narratives that have had the Rangers boss as the main protagonist since he walked in the front door at Ibrox in the summer, a key plot twist has been the perceived issue around Nico Raskin.

The Belgium midfielder was dropped before the international break and, after scoring for his country, was still absent for the 2-0 defeat by Heart of Midlothian last week. Arguably Rangers’ best player last season, in times of crisis, fans were left sitting in the stand with him.

On Saturday, he returned and shone. The 24-year-old glanced in the opener while also tormenting a Hibs defence as he wriggled free time and time again. It is the sort of savvy play a rudderless Rangers have been yearning for in a winless domestic start.

“I think I gave him a role today that really suits him and freed him up a little bit and I think he was fantastic,” Martin, who was then asked if he regretted not playing him against Celtic and Hearts, said.

“You have to make a decision as a coach that you think is best for the team at the time.

“Circumstances and situations very often happen within clubs that can’t come out.

“It might be a necessary part of Nico’s growth, or our growth as a team, and today was part of a team that was so together, so committed and so brave to take the ball and I thought he was outstanding.”