LESS IS MORE WHEN IT COMES TO RASKIN

Martin reveals plan to get more bite from Nico’s bark

- By Andy Newport

RUSSELL MARTIN loves Nico Raskin’s determination to place himself at the heart of the action.

But the Rangers manager wants his midfielder to realise that doing less can see him become much more of a threat for his new-look side.

Belgian battler Raskin has emerged as a fans’ favourite with his ankle-biting terrier spirit.

It was that aggressive streak to his game that saw him nicknamed the “Pitbull” by fans at his former club Standard Liege.

But his new manager feels that by placing the 24-year-old on a tighter leash, he can get more bite from his bark.

Raskin reestablished himself as one of Gers’ top dogs after a impressive return to form last year —and Martin expects to see him show his pedigree again once he takes on board some important tactical lessons.

“Nico’s been good, he has so many tools,” said Martin. “But I think less is probably more with Nico. We can get more out of him, more end product by doing abit less.

“So it’s about making him understand why we're asking him to do what we’re going to ask him to do.

“And him seeing the benefit in it because he’s a really outstanding footballer. And he has big character.

“T think you need that. It’s why he has done well at this football club. He has big character.