Nicolas Raskin's dad reveals how Rangers star learned of Belgium call as Celtic goal all part of 'evolved' game

The Ibrox midfielder will be hoping to win his first caps at senior level for Belgium this week in the Nations League double header against Ukraine

Nicolas Raskin's father has revealed that the Rangers star didn't learn about his first call-up to the Belgium national team until two days before he helped down Celtic at Parkhead.

The midfielder has been included in the first squad named by new Red Devils boss Rudi Garcia for the Nations League A relegation play-off double-header against Ukraine this week.

Raskin, 24, had previously represented his country at every level from U15 right up to U21 level, appearing in the U21 UEFA European Championships back in 2023.

The former Standard Liege man netted the opener for Barry Ferguson's side in their dramatic 3-2 derby victory against Celtic last Sunday and his father Thierry has detailed that his son only found out that he would be going away to play with superstars including Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku when the squad was officially announced on Friday.

In an interview with L'avenir.net, he said: "When he in the youth team, you receive a text message to be notified to check your emails; it's a sign that you've received a call-up. That's what happened on Friday.

"Nicolas received a text message at the same time as the press conference began; the timing was perfect."

Raskin Snr believes his son has came on leaps and bounds at Ibrox since his move from Standard Liege in January 2023.

The all-action midfielder initially struggled with injuries after being signed by Michael Beale but has gone onto establish himself as a key component in the team under previous manager Philippe Clement and now interim boss Ferguson.

And his father has also revealed why Raskin was chosen to lead the Light Blues out in their Old Firm clash with Celtic on January 3 that ended in a 3-0 triumph for the hosts at Ibrox.

He said: "He received the armband for the first time against Celtic Glasgow (on January 2nd). When you know what the captaincy represents in British football, it's no small feat.

"There's a real symbolism. The two usual captains (James Tavernier and Jack Butland) weren't present, and the other players in the squad decided that the armband would go to Nico.

"At Rangers while he still likes to take risks because it's in his nature, he's more careful. Fiery, but not too much."

Despite his small stature Raskin rose well to head home at Celtic Park on Sunday and his dad believes that is a reward for his hard work on the training pitch.

"It's not common," Raskin Snr joked, "but there's a lot of work behind it.

"His timing has improved, because height isn't the only thing that matters in the air.

"Look at his defensive or offensive heading, and you'll see he's evolved.

"In midfield, he's a little more present in that area and is less fiery on the pitch."