Ianis Hagi has some making up to do after suffering injury heartbreak on the Europa League road to Seville.
The Romanian playmaker, now 26, suffered a devastating cruciate ligament injury in January 2022 which ruled him out of that famous Rangers run to the Europa League Final.
Callum Davidson reckons Rangers want Hagi to stay such is the player’s ‘terrific attitude’ and no more is that exemplified than in Hagi’s recent return to form.
Despite his best efforts to get fit for the showpiece against Eintracht Frankfurt, that injury halted Ianis Hagi in his tracks and it’s only now the Ibrox star has started to recover.
But a complicated recovery, frustration at a lack of playing time, an ill-fated loan stint in Spain and time in the Rangers reserves have done little to dampen the Romanian’s spirit.
If anything, it’s just made Hagi stronger with the ex-Genk hero ready to put his body on the line to force Rangers through to the Europa League semi-finals.
Ianis Hagi sets Rangers sights on Europa League glory
Whilst Ianis Hagi never played in the knockout stages of the run to Seville, the Romanian played a crucial role in the Europa League group stages.
Earning Rangers a point with a late strike against Brondby, the midfielder had an impact on the competition and was growing into a key player under Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
Hagi has set his sights on the Europa League this season and insists Rangers have what it takes to go the distance.
“We’ll definitely bring our experience from the past seasons, but I think it’s a totally different game and it’s going to be a tough game next Thursday. We’re looking forward to it,” Hagi explained to Sky Sports.
“I think that season (2021/22), everybody had their own moment throughout the run.
“I think this season as well. Hopefully, right now, I can stay fit up until the end and end up winning it all this time.
“It’s the only competition we can still win, so why not? It will be a huge opportunity, but I don’t want to get too ahead of the game.
“It’s still a long way until then, but we’re looking forward to it.”
Ianis Hagi points to US takeover in Rangers future talks
Ianis Hagi was hailed by Rangers fans for his performance in the 0-0 draw with Athletic Club at Ibrox.
The Romanian playmaker’s attitude and application embodied a ‘proper Rangers performance’ despite the club being reduced to ten men only ten minutes into the game.
After curling in a later equaliser against Aberdeen, Hagi has been coy on his Rangers future but has refused to rule out any eventuality in Glasgow.
Hagi insists that his priority is progress against Athletic Club and will leave any discussions over his Rangers future until the end of the season.
“I think we can all agree that publicly, Rangers are in a situation where so many things are going on behind the scenes, important things, important changes,” Hagi said.
“I think the right time will come, but at the moment, everybody’s engaged on Thursday, especially me.
“It’s such a big moment for myself to get that and finish the season on a high. I don’t think right now my future is a priority for anyone, even for myself.
“My priority is to win on Thursday, get into the semi-finals, put my body on the line for this football club and see where that brings me and where that brings Rangers as well.”
