The Celtic midfielder says he wants to see both of them in the national team despite fierce competition
Arne Engels insists there’s NO personal rivalry between him and Nico Raskin when it comes to getting in Belgium’s squad – because they’re totally different players.
The Celtic midfielder says he wants to see both of them in the national team – even though they’re on opposite sides of Glasgow’s Old Firm divide.
Rangers ace Raskin earned a call-up last time out but Engels already has four caps under his belt. The pair were team-mates for Belgium’s Under-21 side and Engels sees no reason why they can’t cement a place in Rudi Garcia’s squad.
The Hoops star said: “I don’t see it as a rivalry because Nico is a different type of player to me. I just focus on my own game and winning trophies with Celtic. That’s how it needs to be. I don’t really speak to Nico but I think we have a good relationship.
“If we see each other in the game, we respect each other because we’re both Belgian – that’s normal with another countryman. I have nothing against Nico.
“I was with him in the Under-21 Euros squad for Belgium. And if I see him we always have a nice chat. It would be great for us both to be in the Belgium squad together.”
It will certainly help Engels’ cause if he can play in different positions within Celtic’s engine room. Gaffer Brendan Rodgers has occasionally deployed him as a sitting midfielder when captain Callum McGregor has been absent.
But for most of the campaign he has been given licence to get forward and already has 10 goals to his name.
Engels admits he’ll play anywhere for the Hoops – just as long as he’s contributing at both ends of the pitch.
He said: “I just play where the manager puts me, I don’t have a choice!
“I’m trying my best in every position and I feel good where I’m playing now for Celtic. I’m performing well defensively and offensively for the team but I’ve still got things to work on like every player – that’s not just me.
“I’ll just play where the manager puts me and where the team needs me.”
