NICO RASKIN’S grandad has revealed the Rangers midfielder was ‘disappointed’ when his summer exit fell through.
The Belgian international, 24, looked set to leave Rangers before the transfer window closed after his major fall out with manager Russell Martin.
Several clubs were circling the midfielder in the final days of the window after he was bombed out of the squad for the first Old Firm derby of the season.
Rangers faced Celtic without their star man and he was subsequently left out for the following game against Hearts after the window closed.
He made his stunning return against Hibs in the Premier Sports Cup and showed Rangers exactly what they were missing as put in a Man of the Match display, opening the scoring in the first half.
He will be hoping to make the starting line-up once again in Rangers’ Europa League opener against Genk at Ibrox tonight.
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His grandad Gilbert Govaert, a former midfielder with Liege in the 1970s, insists he never had any doubt the issues surrounding his grandson and Martin would be resolved.
He believes Raskin has the character to step up and put the drama behind him, but understands just how difficult it must have been for the 24-year-old when his summer exit fell through.
He says, though, that the midfielder has now put the disappointment of the transfer window behind him.
Speaking to Sudinfo (via Walfoot), Govaert was quizzed on Raskin’s situation before being brought back into the fold by Martin.
He said: “For my part, I was certain that his situation would improve. Not only does he have the character, but also the sporting qualities to overcome challenges
“If there’s one thing Nicolas inherited from me, I think it’s that resilience you’re talking about.
“I never felt he was defeatist or tearful. He came very close to leaving the Rangers this summer.
“When the deal fell through, his disappointment at the time was real.”
“It wasn’t enough to make him give up, however. He remains committed to Rangers. He loves this club and its supporters. As a result, he got back to work. That determination is paying off today.”
“Nico absolutely has to work to ensure that the spiral becomes completely positive again. I have no doubt about that, because I know the motivation that drives him.”
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