Barry Ferguson has lifted the lid today on what many fans have suspected for weeks – Nico Raskin isn’t afraid to speak his mind, even to the manager.

Speaking after training at Auchenhowie, Ferguson admitted that he and the Belgian midfielder have “butted heads a few times” over Rangers’ tactical shape and Raskin’s exact role in midfield. It’s an admission that will spark plenty of debate among supporters, but one that also shows the healthy tension required to drive standards higher.

You only need to look back at Raskin’s stunning return to form earlier this month to see why Ferguson is willing to tolerate a bit of friction. The midfielder has been one of Rangers’ best performers in recent weeks, and it’s no coincidence that his influence has grown since he started pushing for a more progressive style of play.

Ferguson revealed:

“I’ve had a few heated chats with Nico, aye. He’s got his views on how we should play, and I’ve got mine. But I’d rather have a player who cares enough to argue than one who stays quiet and goes through the motions.”

It comes after Ferguson himself faced questions over whether the dressing room was fully behind him. Today’s revelation puts that to bed – if anything, it shows a squad not afraid to challenge each other to be better.

Raskin, who arrived in January 2023, has often been caught between two roles – as a deep-lying ‘6’ or as a more attacking presence. Ibrox Noise highlighted earlier that he thrives when given the freedom to play higher up the pitch, and it seems Ferguson is slowly coming round to that view.

Ferguson concluded by praising the Belgian’s passion, telling The Scottish Sun:

“He’s a good boy, Nico. I love his attitude. We’ll keep pushing each other and hopefully the team benefits.”

For fans, this sounds like exactly the kind of fire Rangers have been missing. Long may it continue.