“I believe the fans aren’t fond of him”: Celtic linked with Rangers star following bold assertion

Celtic FC Still Strong Despite Mixed Campaign

Even in what has not been their most dominant season, Celtic FC remain in contention to secure a domestic double. That reality underlines the club’s continued dominance within Scottish football, where they consistently find ways to compete for major honours regardless of fluctuations in individual or team form.

This ongoing strength highlights the gap that Celtic have maintained over many domestic rivals, even during periods when performances have not always been at their peak.

Frank McAvennie Makes Bold Rangers FC Claim

Former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie sparked controversy with an unexpected opinion, suggesting that he admires Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin.

Despite acknowledging that Celtic supporters are not fond of the player, McAvennie openly admitted that he rates Raskin highly and would welcome him at Parkhead. His comments were particularly surprising given the fierce rivalry between the Glasgow clubs.

At a time when Celtic, Heart of Midlothian FC, and Rangers are battling for the league title heading into the post-split fixtures, his remarks added further intrigue to an already intense race.

Weekend Results Keep Pressure On

Recent matches ensured that the competition at the top remains tight. Celtic edged past St Mirren FC in a narrow victory, while Hearts secured three points against Motherwell FC.

Meanwhile, Rangers produced an entertaining 6-3 win over Falkirk FC, with Raskin playing a key role in midfield. His performance in that fixture further strengthened McAvennie’s admiration, particularly his ability to influence the flow of the game.

Nicolas Raskin Compared To Callum McGregor

McAvennie went further by drawing comparisons between Raskin and Celtic captain Callum McGregor. While McGregor may not be at his absolute best this season, his long-term consistency and achievements place him among the top midfielders in Scotland.

Raskin, who arrived in Scottish football in 2023, has yet to win any major trophies with Rangers. In contrast, McGregor has consistently collected silverware during that period, underlining the difference in their respective careers.

As a result, many view the comparison as exaggerated, given McGregor’s sustained excellence and influence over the years.

Experience Gap And Trophy Record

Another factor in the debate is the age difference between the two players. McGregor, at 32, brings a wealth of experience and leadership, while Raskin, at 25, is still developing his game.

Despite being younger, Raskin has not yet managed to separate himself significantly from the Celtic skipper in terms of overall impact. McGregor’s trophy haul and consistent performances continue to set a benchmark that remains difficult to match.

Echoes Of Scott Brown In Style

McAvennie also compared Raskin’s playing style to that of former Celtic captain Scott Brown. He suggested that the Belgian midfielder shares Brown’s ability to frustrate opponents and get under their skin.

While this comparison may hold some merit in terms of playing style, it is important to note that Brown achieved this while consistently winning trophies and leading successful teams. Raskin, on the other hand, is still working toward reaching that level of success.

Unlikely Transfer But Growing Reputation

Although McAvennie’s suggestion that Celtic should sign Raskin is highly unrealistic, it does highlight the midfielder’s growing reputation within Scottish football. Moves between Rangers and Celtic are extremely rare due to the fierce rivalry, making such a transfer almost impossible.

Nevertheless, the fact that a former Celtic player is openly praising a Rangers midfielder speaks volumes about Raskin’s ability. His performances are gaining recognition, even among rival supporters, which reinforces his status as an important figure in the current title race.

In the end, while the idea may never materialise, the discussion itself adds another layer of drama to Scottish football, where strong opinions and intense rivalries continue to shape the narrative.