Raskin content at Rangers despite lingering January transfer questions

Nicolas Raskin has described himself as content at Rangers, even though he cannot say what lies ahead for him beyond this season.

The 25-year-old Belgium international netted his first goal of the campaign during the 2-2 draw at Dundee last weekend, continuing a run that has seen him start Rangers' previous seven matches.

That return to regular selection follows a difficult summer in which Raskin was repeatedly linked with a departure and found himself out of the side at times while a move was weighed up.

He has been at Ibrox since joining in January 2023, racking up more than 150 appearances for the club alongside 22 caps for Belgium.

Asked how he managed to reset his focus once the World Cup and the transfer window had passed, Raskin said the adjustment itself was not the problem.

"It wasn't that difficult," he said, adding that being left out of the team was "probably the hardest bit I've been through during the window."

He acknowledged the pull of ambition, admitting that after the World Cup he had wondered whether the moment had come to seek "a new challenge", but stressed he had not forced the issue.

"I've never been pushing for something because I'm really happy here," Raskin said, pointing to the role Rangers played in his path into the Belgian national set-up.

He said he felt relaxed about how things would unfold given there is time before the January window opens, crediting manager Derek McInnes for his support since taking charge, though he conceded he does not know what comes next.

On whether his contract might be extended before the end of next season, Raskin was clear that the decision rests with the club rather than with him.

McInnes was equally direct in ruling out a January sale, saying Rangers are "not looking to lose players" in that window and describing Raskin as a key figure in a side he hopes can enjoy a successful campaign.

The manager warned that mid-season business can tempt clubs to pay above a player's true value, and said Raskin had informed him of interest he could have pursued at the end of the recent transfer window but chose to stay.

McInnes added that he would welcome talks over extending Raskin's stay beyond his current deal if the opportunity arose, and expects the pair to keep working together unless an offer emerges significant enough to change both the player's and the club's thinking.

Separately, McInnes revealed a sickness bug has swept through his squad, leaving two regular starters doubtful for Saturday's Scottish Premiership visit of St Johnstone.