The international break is nearly over with Philippe Clement looking to get his Rangers team back on track and not let the five-point gap at the top of the Scottish Premiership get any bigger.
Some of the nine players who were away with their country will already be back at Auchenhowie being looked over by the medical staff.
One player who finished his international duty on a high is Ianis Hagi, after winning a late penalty for Romania, the playmaker was once again in the headlines – this time for the right reasons.
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Ianis Hagi only focussed on Rangers return after Romania heroics
Speaking after the 3-1 win over Lithuania, Hagi again reiterated his desire to stay and fight for his place at Rangers, as reported by Digi Sport:
“I am a Rangers player. I love the club. A lot was said about me. I said it in two very clear messages on Instagram. I just want to play football. In my short history as a footballer I have never disappointed anyone who had faith in me. They are facts, as Mircea (Lucescu – Romania’s manager) also trusted me.
“I was in constant communication with him, I did the physical training with the second team, even harder than with the first team. I have never let a man down who trusted me. I thanked those in the country who took an interest in me, I wish them the best of luck, but my fight is outside.”
Hagi, who was a key member of the 55 title winning squad, could yet leave Rangers given Turkey’s transfer window is still open and the previous interest from the country of his birth.
His status as a homegrown player for UEFA squad’s is an enticing option for Super Lig clubs whilst Gheorghe Hagi’s legendary status at Galatasaray means that his name will always be mentioned.
Hagi touched on knocking back offers from Romania with first Rapid Bucharest and then, on deadline day, FCSB holding talks over a possible return home.
There were also claims of personal terms being agreed with Fiorentina and a £3m valuation but the Serie A outfit took a differrent route.
Hagi shows why he deserves second Rangers chance
The 25-year old seemed certain to leave Rangers this summer after revealing ahead of the European Championships that his agent was tasked with finding him a new club.
Despite a solid showing at the Euros, Rangers weren’t exactly fighting off the offers and Hagi rerturned to the training ground.
Unlike Todd Cantwell, Hagi never asked for a transfer which now makes how Philippe Clement has handled the situation now look like a mistake.
Regardless of any reported £6,000 per week wage rise contract clause, making Hagi train with the B team doesn’t benefit anyone.
What can’t be questioned now is his attitude and determination to play for Rangers again.
With Clement short of attacking quality, leaders and winners, granting Hagi his wish seems like common sense.
The Gers boss would only be making his job harder for himself if he doesn’t recall Hagi now.
