Ex-Kilmarnock striker backs ‘incredible’ Hagi to be ‘total success’ at Rangers
Former Kilmarnock striker Dieter van Tornhout has claimed that Ianis Hagi can be a “total success” for Rangers.
The Gers completed a permanent deal for the 21-year-old earlier in the week following a successful loan spell at Ibrox over the second half of this season.
The Romanian arrives in Glasgow following a disappointing stint with Belgian outfit Genk, but van Tornhout – who works as a coach with Jupiler League rivals KV Mechelen – has backed the playmaker to be a hit in Scotland.
Speaking to the Daily Record, he said: “I became a hero for Kilmarnock and Hagi could do the same for Rangers because football is a game in which everything can change in a second.
“Can you imagine the final game of next season is an Old Firm derby at Parkhead, with Rangers and Celtic level on points at the top of the table, and Hagi scored a last-minute winner from a free-kick?
“He would become a legend forever at Rangers and why couldn’t it happen? Football provides the opportunity for every player in any team to become a hero. I believe Hagi will be a total success with Rangers.
“Don’t doubt Hagi’s skill level. He’s got incredible feet – I would defy anyone to say if he prefers his left foot or his right.”
What can we take from van Tornhout’s comments?
We quite like the Belgian if we’re being honest.
Not only did he deny Celtic a League Cup victory back in 2012 with his famous strike for Killie, but he also appears to be wildly optimistic about our new signing.
Dream scenarios like scoring a last minute free-kick at Parkhead to clinch the title are a little bit Roy of the Rovers, granted, but there’s no reason to suggest that Hagi can’t be equally as effective for the Gers next term in a less dramatic sense.
We’ve already heard from ex-Ibrox talent Dorin Goian on how “confident” he is that Hagi can help Rangers to title success next season, while Kris Boyd has already emphasised just how important the 21-year-old can be in providing some diversity to Steven Gerrard’s attack.
Expectations may be high for Hagi, but there are plenty of people who believe he can meet them – including us.
In other Rangers news, Ibrox View: Berahino shows traits that could make him a hit for Gers next term.