SING WHEN WE WEREN'T WINNING

Nico out to repay fans’ backing during his fall-out with Martin

- BY ANDY NEWPORT

NICO RASKIN didn't need to crank the volume button on his remote control to hear his name being chanted the last time Rangers welcomed Celtic to Ibrox.

Now fast forward six months and the Gers ace hopes to repay the punters’ backing that day by hitting mute on their bitter rivals title talk.

Back in August a frustrated Raskin was left kicking every ball from his couch after being bombed out by former boss Russell Martin.

Having fallen out with the former Scotland international in the wake of a humiliating Champions League drubbing against Brugge, he was made to stay home and watch on TV as his mates ground out a drab 0-0 draw in the season's opening Old Firm clash.

However, the fans made it loud and clear who they were siding with in that standoff as they sang Raskin’s name throughout the derby contest.

And it’s that support the Belgium star hopes to reward with a huge victory agau

Looking back, Raskin said: “It was a difficult day because that’s the kind of game we all love to play in.

“The pressure and tension in that game brings the best out of you. But I had to watch the game on TV at home.

“Could I hear the fans singing my name? Yeah, I could hear everything. I really did appreciate that.

“That's why we want to give it back and win the game for the fans and for everyone in Glasgow who supports Rangers. We know this is a massive game for everyone and for the club.”