Frank McAvennie has never been one to shy away from giving an honest opinion, especially when it comes to players on either side of the Old Firm divide. And this time, his latest admission has sparked plenty of conversation among both Celtic and Rangers supporters.
At a point in the season where every performance feels magnified, and every standout player gets pulled into transfer talk or “what if” debates, one Rangers midfielder has quietly worked his way into the spotlight. Not through controversy or headlines, but through consistent, influential performances that are starting to turn heads across Glasgow.
Rangers are deep in a title battle where fine margins are deciding everything. Under Danny Rohl, they have found a rhythm in recent weeks, with players stepping up at key moments. Among them, one name has stood out more than most.
Nicolas Raskin.
The Belgian midfielder has been central to Rangers’ push, delivering energy, control and end product in equal measure. Since Rohl took charge, he has made 33 appearances in all competitions, contributing five goals and five assists, becoming one of the most reliable figures in the squad.
But what makes the conversation around him even more interesting is not just what he is doing at Rangers, but who is talking about him.
McAvennie, a former Celtic title winner, has now publicly admitted just how highly he rates the midfielder. In fact, he went as far as saying he would want him in a Celtic shirt, a comment that immediately raised eyebrows given the rivalry between the clubs.
Speaking on the Let Me Be Frank Podcast on 13 April, he said: ”I know the Celtic supporters don’t like him, but I really do like Raskin, I wish he were in our team.
“He’s solid. He keeps the ball. A bit like Callum (McGregor) used to do. He gets himself forward, but he always seems to be there. I thought he controlled the game against Falkirk, we need somebody like that in our team, he’s a bit like Scott Brown, really.
“He annoys people. Really annoys opposing teams, players, and the supporters.”
It is the kind of praise that often carries more weight than criticism, especially when it comes from someone with a deep understanding of the Old Firm rivalry. Because it highlights something that even rival fans sometimes have to acknowledge in quieter moments. Quality tends to stand out, regardless of the badge it wears.
And Raskin’s numbers back that up.
This season in the Scottish Premiership, he has featured 31 times, scoring five goals and registering seven assists. He averages 1.5 shots per game, 1.4 key passes and maintains an 86 percent passing accuracy, showing both creativity and control in possession.
But his influence is not limited to attacking output. Defensively, he has become just as important. Averaging 2.5 tackles per game and 4.7 ball recoveries, he consistently breaks up opposition play and helps Rangers regain control in midfield battles. Add in nearly two clearances per game and strong duel numbers, and it becomes clear why he is trusted in big moments.
It is that balance that makes him so valuable. Not just what he creates, but what he stops.
And this is where the debate begins to shift.
Because while Rangers fans see him as a key part of their title push, McAvennie’s comments have introduced a different angle entirely. One that Celtic supporters may not enjoy hearing, but might quietly recognise if his form continues at this level.
Players like Raskin do not go unnoticed in title races like this. Especially when matches are tight, pressure is rising, and control in midfield becomes the difference between winning and dropping points.
That is why his performances will continue to be closely watched on both sides of Glasgow.
For Rangers, the hope is simple. That he keeps producing, keeps influencing games, and keeps driving them forward in a season that still hangs in the balance.
For Celtic fans, it may be one of those uncomfortable acknowledgements that comes with rivalry football. Seeing quality in a player you would rather not admire.
And for McAvennie, it is just another reminder that sometimes, talent speaks loudest of all, even across the divide.