A RANGERS star has received his first call-up to his national team – as a Celtic player in the same position missed out.
Later this month sees the return of the Uefa Nations League, with many countries involved in crucial play-off matches – including Scotland.
Nicolas Raskin in action for Rangers against Fenerbahce[/caption]
Steve Clarke‘s men take on Greece in their League A vs League B promotion/relegation clash and also taking part in the same set of fixtures are Belgium and Ukraine.
Nicolas Raskin has been called up to the Belgium squad for the first time for the double-header, as they like Scotland fight to stay in the highest tier of the competition.
Gers midfielder Raskin, 24, has only ever played for his nation at youth level but will now get to prove himself at senior level.
The ex-Standard Liege star has been one of the better performers for the Light Blues of late, particularly in the Europa League, and new Belgium boss Rudi Garcia is keen to have a look at him up close.
So far this season Raskin has played 38 times for Rangers, providing five assists and a single goal.
Raskin is one of five uncapped players in the Belgian squad but big stars such as Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans have all been included too.
Belgium have lost their last three games and are winless in five, a run that stretches back to September last year.
Raskin’s inclusion coincided with Celtic star Arne Engels being omitted from the squad by Garcia.
Engels, who cost the Hoops £11m in the summer transfer window, has taken his own game to a new level in recent weeks after some inconsistencies earlier in the season.
In total he has ten goals from 42 games this season, adding 12 assists.
It would perhaps be unfair to say it was an either/or decision for Garcia between Raskin and Engels, with both players offering different qualities and being suited to different roles.
While Raskin can operate deep in midfield or in a box-to-box role, Engels excels more as a team’s primary playmaker.
The 21-year-old has already won four caps for his country and it could be the case that Garcia simply wants to freshen things up and bring in some new faces to the camp.
Engels and Raskin are likely to go head-to-head in the middle of the park this weekend in the Old Firm clash at Celtic Park on Sunday.
Celtic star Arne Engels won’t get a run out for Belgium in this international window[/caption]
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