Hearts clash 'do or die' for Rangers title bid as star eager to help 'best captain' Tavernier bow out on a high

The batteries weren’t the only thing left feeling drained as Danny Rohl’s Rangers ran flat against Motherwell last Sunday.

Their opening post-split fixture was supposed to offer the Ibrox outfit a fresh injection of energy and set them up nicely for one last title surge. Instead, Rangers saw their silverware ambitions suffer a major setback as they attempt to avoid a second successive campaign without a trophy.

Having worked hard to get back within striking distance of their title rivals at the Premiership summit, Rangers went into their clash with the Steelmen with an opportunity to apply pressure on Hearts, but let it slip to leave them with ground to make up on Derek McInnes’ table-toppers and Celtic.

For Nicolas Raskin, the pain and frustration of that dispiriting 3-2 defeat has been at the forefront of his mind ever since the final whistle sounded. But the Belgian international recognises he has a leading role to play in keeping spirits high around the training centre as one of the most experienced members in Danny Rohl’s armoury.

“Yeah, obviously it's not nice, especially when we've worked so hard to come back to that position,” the 25-year-old reflected. “That's what is even more frustrating for us. But we can't go back to that game, it's done. Now it’s about us and how we can bounce back from that performance, how do we adapt on the pitch, how do we react as a team and how do we go forward. We know it’s a do or die game (against Hearts), we cannot hide or say anything else. That is the case.

Raskin: Hearts clash is make-or-break for Rangers

“It's either we win and we are in it or we lose and it's going to be very tough for us. So we all know what’s at stake, it's very clear to everyone. We want our chances to keep increasing and we know what it’s going to take. Last week was very disappointing but we need to learn from that and grow with each game.

“I think it's been a really good season for them (Hearts). They always find a way to win games, which is what matters, especially right now. So we know what we need to do, and we're going there to win but we know it's going to be tough.

“We know when we go there, the first 10 or 15 minutes is going to be fire because we beat them last time. They're going to come with everything and their fans will be up for it. So we need to go there and have personality and show that we are very strong as a team. I don’t think we need to focus on quieting their fans. It's more about going there to win the game and make sure we can close the gap.”

Raskin eager to ensure ‘best captain’ bows out on a high

Following the recent announcement of James Tavernier’s decision to leave the club in the summer, team-mate Raskin is eager to ensure the best skipper he has ever worked under can bow out with a second league winners’ medal.

He commented: “Yeah, I think Tavernier has been the best captain I could have coming into the club. He's been top with everyone, every time. So we've been discussing with the boys here that's something we want to achieve, giving this to Tavernier.

“I think he might be the one that deserves the most, that league title, for everything he has done for the club. So, it would be amazing for him to finish with the league title and hopefully a testimonial after to show how much he deserves. But it's up to us to go and win the four games with him.”

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