Ibrox View: Int'l strugges of Rangers star actually are rare positive for Danny Rohl

Danny Rohl will be keeping tabs on his Rangers players out on international duty, but Nicolas Raskin’s lacklustre performance against the USA won’t be of much concern.

The Belgian featured in a seven-goal thriller for the Red Devils, with his nation coming out as 5-2 winners against the World Cup hosts.

Over the last year, the Rangers midfielder has become a key figure for his nation, with manager Rudi Garcia trusting him more often than not.

That trust was instilled once more on Saturday, but Raskin failed to have much impact on the game, despite the score.

However, Rohl may actually have a positive from that outcome ahead of Rangers’ closing games of the Scottish Premiership season.

How Nicolas Raskin’s performance vs USA may be a positive for Rangers

World Cup preparations are underway, and Raskin looks almost assured to play a big role for Belgium at this summer’s tournament.

The midfielder has started in six consecutive games for the European nation after only making his debut this time last year.

As Belgium faced the USA, Raskin received mixed reviews from Belgian media for his display.

Against the Americans, Raskin did maintain a passing accuracy of 92 per cent, a total above his 86 per cent average in the Scottish Premiership.

However, defensively, despite the home side having more possession, Raskin did little work on that end. He made just one clearance and lost his only duel he was involved in.

Rohl, however, will not have too much concern with the Belgium international, typically competing in 6.4 duels per game for Rangers, according to Sofascore.

The lack of action may end up saving the midfielder’s legs for the upcoming league split, with the reduced intensity a positive from a Rangers perspective.

Raskin coming off after 70 minutes will also please the German, who will now be awaiting to see what level of involvement his midfielder has in Belgium’s next friendly against Mexico.

Raskin must not let international break reduce intensity for Rangers

With Raskin seemingly having a less intense and physical game compared to his usual numbers for the Bears, Rohl will need him to swing immediately back into action.

The midfielder’s energy and goal contributions have been vital to the Glasgow side this campaign.

Every game left this season is essentially a cup final for the G51 outfit. If they fail to win a match, while Hearts secure three points elsewhere, the gap in points could begin to grow too far.

Ensuring Raskin returns to that intensity may be difficult this week, based on the Belgian being one of the last to return to Glasgow.

However, Rohl must do his best to prepare the 25-year-old and his side to face Dundee United.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Govan.