NO WAY NIC'S OFF

Boss insists star midfielder hasn't asked for transfer

- ANDY NEWPORT

RUSSELL MARTIN has shot down wild claims Nico Raskin has asked to leave Rangers.

The Ibrox boss admitted last week his Belgian midfield ace's head had been turned by summer speculation over his future. That led to unfounded rumours online that the 24-year-old has submitted an official transfer request.

But Martin has allayed fan fears as he made clear Raskin is fully focused ahead of tonight's crucial £40million Champions League showdown with his compatriots Club Brugge.

Responding to social media whispers, the Gers gaffer said: "No, he's been really good. We analysed his clips, me and him together, from the game against Plzen last Tuesday.

"So no, I've not heard anything [about him asking to leave]. Not at all.

He's been brilliant.

"I'm pretty sure Kevin [Thelwell, sporting director] and Patrick [Stewart, chief executive] would have told me if we'd heard that sooner." Martin last week praised Raskin's response after he was dropped for the first-leg win over previous round opponents Viktoria Plzen.