Ianis Hagi put in an important performance on his return to the Rangers starting XI in the Scottish Premiership win over St Johnstone.
It’s been a long road back for the Romanian playmaker, 26, who has suffered from injuries, contract clauses and seemingly near certain exits over the last few seasons in Glasgow.
That Ianis Hagi is still at Rangers is a remarkable thing in many respects and the attacking midfielder proved against the Saints that he can still produce in the big moments.
Coming up with a clever assist to see Jason Holt bundle an own goal home in the second half, it’s a moment which proved decisive in the 1-0 Scottish Premiership victory.
Speaking after the game, a glowing Ianis Hagi reminded Rangers fans that the win is the most important thing and insisted he’s just enjoying every game as it comes.
Ianis Hagi ‘just happy’ to be back with Rangers
”Since I came back I’ve been waiting for this moment,” Hagi told Sky Sports. “I’m happy that I was able to contribute to a win and obviously the three points.
”That’s the most important thing.
”Look, I’ve been through some tough moments in my career, especially with the injury and the most important thing that I’ve learned is to take every second of it and enjoy it.
“So that’s what I’m doing and right now I’m just enjoying every second of wearing the shirt, training and game days as well.
”I’m just happy that I’m back playing for this huge club and I just want to win.”
Rangers playmaker hailed by captain and manager
Rangers captain James Tavernier was also full of praise for Ianis Hagi come full-time in the win over St Johnstone.
The Ibrox skipper, 33, knows all too well about being dropped out of the team with Tavernier starting in Perth following an injury to Dujon Sterling.
Tav heaped the praise on Hagi come full-time and insists the midfielder deserves his opportunity.
”Credit to Ianis,” Tavernier told Sky Sports. “He’s been working really hard.
”He’s been really professional and I’m delighted to see him back in the team, helping the team, so credit to him.”
Rangers manager Philippe Clement then went on to praise Ianis Hagi for his role in the eventual winner v St Johnstone.
The Belgian also insists that it’s Hagi’s performance in training, and not sentiment, which justified his selection in Perth.
“That he was good on the ball, that he created things, that he worked hard for the team, that he gave the assist also for the goal,” Clement told the media after the game when asked to reflect on Hagi’s performance.
“So that’s also an important one for offensive players to get stats. It was positive.
“But I don’t give chances out of nothing, it’s because of what he’s been doing in the training and the way he came in against Dundee United.
“So it’s good to have another offensive option because we still miss a lot of players in our offensive third, with Tom Lawrence, with Cortes, with Rabbi Matondo. So it’s important that Ianis is there now.”
