Barry Feguson knows first-hand that Nico Raskin can be feisty and opinionated off the pitch. But the former Rangers boss is certain he is fantastic on it in a Rangers jersey.
The ex-interim manager has admitted the midfielder can be a handful but is adamant he must be part of the future at Rangers as "the club's most valuable asset".
On transfer deadline day, we revealed Raskin would remain at Rangers with clear-the-air talks planned with Russell Martin.
The Belgian internationalist was left out of the matchday squad for Rangers against Celtic as he watched the Ibrox clash from home.
However, he will continue as a Rangers player and was named in the Europa League squad for the league phase, suggesting he is part of the plans under Martin.
Ferguson reckons there has to be compromise on both sides between Raskin and Martin to allow issues to be brushed aside.
"Yes the wee man can be as feisty and opinionated off the pitch as he is combative and tenacious on it," wrote Ferguson in his Daily Record column. "But he’s a fantastic footballer and there’s no way a lad of his calibre should be left to stew in the stands all season.
"So it was great then to hear that clear-the-air talks are planned next week once he gets back from international duty.
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"It’s going to require some compromise from both sides and mature discussions.
"But reaching an agreement that allows the manager to pick a player who in my opinion is the club’s most valuable asset week after week hopefully happens soon.
"The fact that Nico has been named in the club’s Europa League squad is an indication that things are already moving in a positive direction."
Kevin Thelwell had said: "Well, he's away on international duty now.
"So to my mind, what happens is he goes on international duty, he comes back as a Rangers player. And when he comes back, Russell and I sit down with Nico and talk about what we do next.
"And again, it's very, very important that we all understand that we all want the same thing. We all want a better Rangers team. We all want a stronger Rangers team and we all want a winning Rangers team."
