Ibrox Exclusive: Bruce backs Rangers to ‘tie up’ major summer swoop despite ‘kick in the teeth’
We’re delighted to welcome former Scottish Premiership defender Alex Bruce as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Rangers…
Alex Bruce has claimed that Rangers loanee Ianis Hagi has suffered a “kick in the teeth” by having his playing opportunities at Ibrox cut short because of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, the former Kilmarnock defender suggested that the 21-year-old may still have done enough to convince manager Steven Gerrard to make his loan move from Genk permanent.
The Romanian has played just 10 times for the Gers since arriving in January, with Scottish football currently suspended in an effort to help arrest the spread of the Coronavirus.
Despite the interruption, however, the player’s agent, Giovani Becali, has suggested that the Gers are still eager to exercise the option-to-buy clause written into his client’s loan deal.
And Bruce believes it could happen too.
Speaking to Ibrox News, he said: “He started very well.
“Obviously, this Coronavirus hit so it was a bit of a kick in the teeth for him.
“However, listen, Gerrard put him straight in the team and has spoke very, very highly of him on several occasions.
“If he’s anywhere near as good as his dad, he’ll be looking to tie him up, that’s for sure.”
Hagi has hit three goals and two assists in his 10 outings for the Gers so far.
Becali has also suggested that both Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City have made tentative enquires about his client’s availability.
In other Rangers news, ‘Massive’ – Ibrox Exclusive: Bruce reacts to fresh Gers ‘kick in the teeth’ after UEFA report.