Ianis Hagi stole the show as Rangers beat St Johnstone yesterday – on his first start for 18 months.
Hagi was Gers’ man-of-the-match as they edged past the Perth Saints at McDiarmid Park, Jason Holt’s second half own goal created by the Romanian playmaker.
After sorting out his situation with the club, the 26-year-old first appearance was off the bench against the same opponents at Ibrox but he was later sent off.
He has since come off the bench twice and made a real difference to the second half performance against Dundee United, acknowledged by Philippe Clement.
That earned him a start yesterday and he grasped his chance with both hands.
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Ianis Hagi excites in first Rangers start
Yesterday was not only Ianis Hagi’s first Rangers start of the season, but his first in 18 months after having a loan spell at Alaves last season.
He will take time to get up to full speed but that must be an encouraging sign given how well he is already able to perform.
Vaclav Cerny has been the mean creative spark in recent games but Steven Naismith insists Hagi is now taking some of the burden away from the Czech winger.
The sacked Hearts boss insists the Romanian is a unique player within the Ibrox squad and one they should be looking to play through.
He said on BBC Scotland’s Sportscene: “I think in recent weeks Rangers have been reliant on Cerny and I think Hagi is someone who is desperate for the ball.
“He’s a player that excites you and he’s a player that’s first thought is ‘can I open up the game, can I link the play, can I get us an attack?’
“His first thought is forward which builds speed into the attack. I think he’s somebody that Rangers don’t have a player like and I think he can be valuable in the coming weeks and months.
“The sharper he gets, he’ll be better. He changes the pace of the game which is something Rangers have probably been criticised for.
“The biggest compliment I can pay him is he makes the right decision more often than not. Most of Rangers’ good stuff today came through him.”
Hagi set up the goal for Rangers, quickly sending a half-cleared ball back into the dangerous area with a first time delivery.
Naismith added: “He’s got the intelligence to know that ‘I don’t need to bring the ball down, beat somebody.
“He understands he’s in a dangerous area of the pitch and the one touch into a dangerous area is enough to create the goal which turns out to be the winning goal.”
Hagi’s Rangers attitude impresses
While Hagi was out the team he trained and played in games with the B team, often finding the net or assisting for the youngsters.
That impressed Naismith, who added: “The biggest thing that’s impressive is when he was out of the team and looked as if he didn’t have a future, he didn’t just sit, train, not interested.
“He played in the B team, consistently played there. Scored goals. Got his fitness. Probably helped the younger players in the squad. Which means he’s ready, ready to come back in.
“Yes, he’ll tire, but he’s ready to contribute. He did it for Romania in the last international break. And he’s now starting to do it for Rangers.”
It was in stark contrast to Todd Cantwell who slapped in a transfer request and was then required to train away from the first team.
Unlike Hagi though the Englishman didn’t make himself available for the B team while he tried to force a move through.
The Romanian is now getting the rewards of his endeavours.
