Derek McInnes weights in on contract situation of key Rangers star as extent of sickness bug in camp revealed

Rangers boss Derek McInnes ‘wouldn’t be against’ offering midfielder Nico Raskin a new contract as he continues to play a key role in the squad.

The 25-year old looked set to leave the club in the summer amid transfer interest from across Europe after a strong World Cup with Belgium. But despite reported offers from the likes of Besiktas and Hull City, Raskin stayed put - and has been a key component of McInnes’ Rangers ever since.

Raskin still has over 18 months left on his Ibrox contract - but with transfer offers expected to resurface in January, there’s been speculation over a new deal. Speaking ahead of Rangers’ league clash at home to St Johnstone on Saturday, McInnes explained why he wouldn’t be opposed to Raskin signing a new deal.

Why McInnes ‘wouldn’t be against’ a new Raskin deal

The manager said: “I think Nico gets a good profile from the national team, his profile from the World Cup And there was a train of thought from everybody, myself included, at the club, that he may well leave in the summer. But we're not looking to lose players in January - and Nico's been a key player for us and hopefully he's a key player in a successful Rangers team this season.

“I normally leave those sort of contract discussions between the club and the player and the agent. But if there was an opportunity to work with Nico beyond that, then obviously it's something that I would not be against. I'm enjoying working with him, but equally I understand players may well have other aspirations.

“Nico said to me that he could have had one or two things that he could have jumped at in the transfer window. But he's keen to be here and be part of a successful team. Unless something comes up that really turns his head and really turns Rangers' head, we keep working together.”

What is the extent of sickness bug making way round Rangers camp?

The gaffer also explained that multiple players have been affected by a sickness bug this week and that a few unnamed key players are now a doubt for Saturday. Left back Tuur Rommens fell ill earlier in the week and wasn’t able to feature in their behind-closed-doors bounce game against Dundee. On the extent of the damage, McInnes said: “There's a bit of a bug going about.

“There's been half a dozen players or so. Even last night I got a call from the doctor about a key player as well. We're trying to minimise that and work towards tactically being the best we can coming into the game on Saturday and bringing a good performance. Having those extra training days (without European football) of course helps you with that but it doesn't guarantee performance.”