Rangers team that faced Celtic at the weekend had just three players who had experienced victory over their fiercest rivals.
They also had a captain leading them who has seen Celtic lift more trophies than any other in the 152-year history.
The squad still needs some work, especially at number six and on the wing, however, Philippe Clement has a player at his disposal who has something more than just talent – a winning record against Celtic.
Old Firm reminder why Rangers shouldn’t discount Ianis Hagi
Ianis Hagi has been confined to Rangers B team after failing to find a new club in the summer despite offers to return to his homeland.
When asked if there was any chance of a return to the first-team fold for the Romania international, Clement explained why the door remains closed, for now:
“No, I cannot say anything now because there are not any developments,” Clement said.
“We spoke about that months ago, really openly with him and his agent also. That we don’t see him to become the next No.10 for Rangers for the next couple of years, so to look out for other opportunities so that story stays the same.
“For sure with (Nedim) Bajrami in the building you have this situation.
“We will see those things in the future [whether any reintegration is possible] I will not say these things now.”
The thing is, Hagi rarely played number 10 for Rangers before his injury.
He only had one go covering Joe Aribo before getting injured against Stirling Albion just as it looked as if he was going to get a run of games.
Hagi can provide composure that current Rangers flops miss
Despite not being blessed with pace, Hagi’s best position is on the flank where his 1v1 ability and movement is a useful asset.
What Hagi also has is composure in front of goal, something sadly lacking at Parkhead.
In five appearances against Celtic, Hagi has won three, drawn won and lost one.
Of these, one win and the loss saw him make a late appearance off the bench and have no real bearing in the match.
It’s not a big sample size, but it is better than anyone else in the squad and that means something.
The 25-year old displayed at a young age that he knows what is needed at Rangers, second place is last and draws are just as bad as defeats.
With the transfer window shut, even if Clement doesn’t see him as the future of the number 10 role, surely, he can see how Hagi can be more effective than both Rabbi Matondo and Ross McCausland on either flank.
A forward line of Oscar Cortes, Nedim Bajrami, Ianis Hagi and Danilo has an entirely different look to one that has Tom Lawrence, Cyriel Dessers and Ross McCausland.
