Raskin's return fires Rangers into Premier Sports Cup semi as Martin and player bury hatchet

Nico Raskin's return to Rangers' starting XI helped the club reach the Premier Sports Cup semi-finals as they defeated Hibernian 2-1 at Ibrox. The Belgian midfielder opened the scoring and helped shape the second goal, giving Rangers a lift at a time when their league form had been unsettled.

Raskin had been left out in recent weeks after behind-the-scenes issues that manager Russell Martin said the club needed to address before the player could be trusted fully by teammates and staff. In the weeks since, both sides have pledged to bury the hatchet and focus on turning the campaign around.

The cup clash unfolded amid a backdrop of protests from a segment of Rangers supporters, who unfurled banners calling for Martin's removal. Despite the discontent, the performance suggested a path toward stability as the Ibrox crowd watched the team move into a Hampden semi-final.

Raskin's strike arrived early, giving Rangers the lead, and he also played a pivotal role in the build-up to the second goal. Captain James Tavernier was among those quick to congratulate Raskin as the team celebrated the opener.

In the days after the match, Raskin spoke about moving past the earlier differences with Martin and focusing on a productive partnership. He said the time had come to look forward and to win games for the club and its supporters.

Martin said the relationship with Raskin is constructive and that the pair are aligned on the need to get the team back on track. He praised the midfielder's performance and expressed hope the new dynamic could help Rangers rebuild confidence and climb the table.

With a Hampden semi-final secured, Rangers shift attention to the league schedule as they seek a sustained run of form and a sharper start to life under Martin amid a season that has delivered a tougher start than expected.