Rangers bombshell as Russell Martin’s shock decision to AXE Nico Raskin for Celtic game BACKED by senior Ibrox players

NICO RASKIN has been bombed out of the Rangers squad for Sunday’s Old Firm clash with Celtic.

And SunSport can reveal the shock decision by boss Russell Martin has been backed by senior players.

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Under-fire Martin — expected to recall skipper James Tavernier — held talks with the Belgian Friday morning and told him he would be playing no part in the derby.

It’s believed to be a decision based on Raskin’s conduct behind the scenes.

And it’s believed the backroom staff and senior figures within the squad have given the bombshell decision the thumbs up.

Gers supporters are still certain to be unhappy about the news with Raskin a huge fans favourite.

The bombshell comes 24 hours after his dad Thierry accused Gers boss Martin of having an ‘oversized ego’.

Raskin had been benched for the midweek return to his homeland, where Gers were crushed 6-0 by Club Brugge to exit the Champions League.

Real Betis and Wolves are now monitoring the 24-year-old’s situation with the transfer window closing on Monday night.

Gers have raked in close to £20million in the last ten days after the departures of Hamza Igamane, Jefte and Ridvan Yilmaz.

Now £10m-rated Raskin, who captained Gers for the 3-0 New Year derby win at Ibrox, faces an uncertain future now he’s training away from the first team.

Asked about Raskin, under-fire boss Martin said: “Everyone’s here, everyone’s available. The squad and the team will be picked on what we think is the best way to win a game.

“I don’t think I’ve ever named a squad two days before a big game.

“Nico’s in training. The transfer window is open so I can’t tell you whether anyone’s going to definitely be in the squad or not.

“I can’t say if he’ll be in the squad because I don’t know yet. I don’t know how people train, I don’t know how they feel.

“I’d describe my relationship with all the players and all the staff as honest and open.

“I don’t think you can have anything else.

“There’s not a breakdown in any relationships here. If it’s honest and open, there can’t be a breakdown.”

Asked about the remarks from Raskin’s father, Martin — who is set to sign Marseille’s Canadian centre-back Derek Cornelius and Bojan Miovski, added: “Everyone’s entitled to their opinion. Supporters, players, players’ families.

“I just can’t let it come into our realm when we’re working and focusing on winning Sunday’s game.”

Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page