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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
David Irvine

Rangers ace Raskin's Belgium debut in preparation for starring role for country

Rangers midfielder Nico Raskin made his international debut for Belgium as a substitute in the 3-1 loss to Ukraine.

The Ibrox ace was brought on for the final 10 minutes in the Nations League as he replaced Kone De Winter.

Belgium manager Rudi Garcia handed Raskin his first cap in the first leg of the Nations League relegation play-off tie on Thursday. 

However, Raskin's cameo role comes ahead of a possible starring role against Ukraine in the second leg this weekend.

Belgium will be without key midfielder Youri Tielemans in the second leg due to a suspension. It means Raskin is vying for a starting spot on Sunday.

Fellow sub Hans Vanaken - who also came on against Ukraine - is also battling for the position.


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Garcia explained: "It is a pity that Youri Tielemans will be suspended. Raskin or Vanaken can replace him.

"Vanaken and Raskin came on the pitch in view of Sunday.

"It will serve as a lesson. On Sunday, we will have to have the bit between our teeth. We will see if we are a great team.

"We will have to get going straight away. We will have to look for those goals from the first minute. We have to bite the bullet. We are a big team, we have to be able to put this right."

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