Philippe Clement inherited a situation in the Europa League last season where he had to change formations to accommodate injuries to players and others not being avaiable.
The manager now has a similar one by his own hand with Danilo not able to be called into the squad to face Olympiacos and another player who Clement would love to have at his disposal staying at home too.
Ianis Hagi wasn’t selected for the Europa League group in the expectation that he would be sold, however, his latest B team exploits have once again highlighted what he could bring to Rangers – if he is given the chance.
Ianis Hagi looks ready to play Rangers role
Playing on the right of the attack and at No.10, the Romania international was only outdone by hat-trick hero Curtis Findlay, the young winger fans want to see promoted.
Hagi’s goal, supplied by Findlay, was a cute finish to beat the keeper at the near post, showing his composure and technical ability, but it was his cross for the 18-year old’s third goal of the night that was impressive.
Almost on the touchline, Hagi whipped an inch perfect cross onto the penalty spot that Curtis only had to guide into the bottom corner.
Clement spoke about Hagi being in competition for the No.10 jersey, however, on his return to first team action, he played on the left before cutting inside to play in Vaclav Cerny for a neat assist.
Who should Hagi replace in the Rangers line-up?
The 26-year old’s two-footedness has been perfectly demonstrated recently. Not only has Hagi provided assists with his right foot, but he has also scored a free-kick for the B team too, to top this, he scored straight from a corner, with his left.
With no Oscar Cortes and Rabbi Matondo, the Rangers No.30 should be the first-choice backup option to cover Cerny and Bajrami on the wings, he is also similar in terms of how he plays given his ability to cut inside or attack the by-line and his desire to get shots away.
As with Danilo, with no elite level mid-week football, domestic football offers a great chance for Clement to rotate and let Hagi prove he can still be a difference maker on a bigger stage than a pitch at the Auchenhowie training ground.
