‘Fighter' Nico Raskin hailed again as Rangers hero brings curtain down on campaign with crucial cameo in big Belgium win
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RANGERS hero Nico Raskin was hailed by boss Rudi Garcia after his introduction helped power Belgium to a thrilling 4-3 win over Wales.
The French-born gaffer held the Ibrox hero in reserve for the clash against Craig Bellamy's side and it looked like an easy end to the season for him as the Belgians coasted into a 3-0 lead in Brussels.
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Nico Raskin celebrates with Alexis Saelemaekers and Youri Tielemans
Credit: Getty
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Raskin in action
Credit: Getty
Romelu Lukaku, Youri Tielemans and Jeremy Doku all netted as the hosts ran riot in the opening half and hour.
But Harry Wilson's penalty in added time in first half changed the complexion of the game.
And then a spirited Wales side came roaring back through Sorba Thomas and Brennan Johnson to level with 20 minutes left.
It was then that Raskin entered the fray for Dodi Lukebakio, making an instant impact with a cynical yellow card for hauling back Thomas.
He thought he had a hand in the winner but Lukaku's 'goal' was ruled out for a lengthy VAR check.
But a stellar campaign ended in another win when Kevin de Bruyne popped up in the 89th minute as Belgium recorded the win which is massive in the context of their World Cup qualifying group.
Raskin's long term Ibrox future, of course, is a source of uncertainty - with the Gers desperate to either get him to prolong his stay or cash in on a player before he enters the final year of his deal.
But performances like these on the international stage won't do anyone any harm.
Garcia said afterwards: "Nicolas Raskin's entry was important because we needed fighters on the pitch.
"To give away a lead like that, I don't know if it's something mentally, but I'll talk with the players.
Rangers boss Barry Ferguson reveals why he's 'had a few arguments' with Ibrox ace Nicolas Raskin
"They have showed that they know what to do in the first half. Now, they just need to keep that up for 90 minutes."
And Belgian fans were loving his contribution, particularly when it comes to interceptions.
One wrote: "Nicolas Raskin in 4 matches with the Red Devils is:
"223 minutes on the pitch 1 goal conceded
"163 minutes on the bench 6 goals conceded."
Next up for Raskin and Belgium is the Liechtenstein team which Scotland made light work of last night.
Another man on the Rangers payroll, Welsh winger Rabbi Matondo, entered the fray in the dying minutes.
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