Rangers star Ianis Hagi says a dream came true for him this weekend as he played on Boxing Day for the first time in his career [Ianis Hagi Twitter].
Hagi was the matchwinner at Ibrox, with his 33rd-minute strike enough as the Gers defeated Hibernian 1-0.
It was a fourth goal of the season and a third in five appearances for the Romania international, whose confidence looks to be back after a period on the peripheries of the side.
He was a surprise starter as far as some supporters were concerned, but he repaid Steven Gerrard’s faith with a lively individual performance.
The 22-year-old is clearly keen to prove his worth following his summer move from Genk but it seems there may well have been an additional reason for the spring in his step.
The versatile attacker says it was a dream of his to play on Boxing Day, a big date in the British footballing calendar.
“Always dreamed of playing on boxing day. 3 points and a goal, made my dream come true even better,” he wrote on Twitter, followed by a blue heart emoji.
Hagi also gave fans a light-hearted update on the condition of his knees, given that he’d taken a tumble while attempting a slide celebration on the heavy Ibrox surface.
“P.S. my knees are fine,” he added along with a grinning emoji.
Hagi took his goal extremely well in the first half and although he has a tendency to drift in and out of games, he’s in encouraging form right now.
With Ryan Kent struggling to contribute from the left, he’s taken on more responsibility and today’s three points were vital for momentum a week out from the Old Firm.
Hagi scored highest in our Player Ratings from the game, with Kent faring the worst.
