Nico Raskin on Rangers and Hampden redemption mission as Belgian voices pain of missing previous cup triumph

Nico Raskin has admitted the prospect of finally getting his hands on silverware with Rangers is driving him on after leading the Ibrox side into the Premier Sports Cup final.

The Belgian midfielder was handed the captain's armband for Saturday's 1-0 semi-final success over Aberdeen at Hampden Park, where Ryan Naderi's late winner secured a place in December's showpiece for Derek McInnes’ side.

It was a significant personal occasion for Raskin, who has become an increasingly influential figure at Ibrox but has yet to enjoy the satisfaction of lifting a major trophy as an active participant in the club's success.

The 24-year-old missed Rangers' previous League Cup triumph through injury. It is a distinction that has not gone unnoticed by his family, but Raskin is adamant that he cannot consider himself a winner when he was unable to contribute on the pitch.

“My family tell me I've won one, but I tell them I haven't,” he explained. “I got rested for the first two games, and injured for the next two! It's not me winning that. I'm just happy to get to this final with full belief and I want to win that cup.

“I think I've been here a long time and we've worked so hard. Not having that is difficult, but hopefully next month we'll win one.”

Raskin expresses pride at assuming captaincy duties

The chance to lead Rangers out at the national stadium was another milestone in his journey, with McInnes informing him before the game that he would captain the side. Raskin admitted it was an occasion he thoroughly enjoyed, although he was equally pleased that the team managed to get the result required.

He beamed: “It was good, a really enjoyable moment. The gaffer told me before the game and it was good for me, and good that we won. “I'm very happy for the team and for everyone.”

The victory was also important for McInnes, who has been working to establish his ideas and standards since taking charge. Raskin spoke warmly about the manager's influence, suggesting his passion for the club has been transferred to the players.

“He breathes Rangers and he gives that to us,” he declared. “It's so good to have someone like him driving us every day and on the pitch. I'm delighted for him and hopefully we can win it for him too.”

Raskin: Winning League Cup would reinforce why I had to stay

Away from the immediate celebrations, Raskin is conscious that Rangers must maintain their standards if they are to turn a promising campaign into a successful one. He acknowledged that their campaign would bring difficulties but believes the squad must continue to trust McInnes and remain committed to their collective objective.

“It's not going to be an easy season. It's a long season. But the main thing is to keep focused and keep working towards the goal. We need to keep believing in the manager and what we're doing, then we'll be there.”

Questions over Raskin's own future surfaced during the summer, but when asked what winning the cup might mean in that context, his response was telling. “It would mean I had to stay and win it,” he confessed.

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