‘Tremendous’ – Ibrox Exclusive: McLeish wowed by ‘unselfish’ Rangers ace who started v Lincoln
We’re delighted to welcome former Rangers manager Alex McLeish as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Ibrox…
Alex McLeish has claimed that Rangers playmaker Ianis Hagi is a “tremendous” talent.
Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, the former Gers boss suggested that the 21-year-old is capable of stepping up to the plate for Steven Gerrard’s men this term – especially during Joe Aribo’s injury absence.
The Romania international played a full 90 minutes in the 5-0 demolition of Lincoln Red Imps on Thursday evening, and provided two assists over the weekend in the 4-0 victory over Dundee United.
For his part, McLeish spent a spell at KRC Genk in Belgium while Hagi was a youth player with the club, and he is convinced that he can be a positive influence for the Gers this season.
Speaking to Ibrox News, he said: “I went to Genk and he was there. He’s definitely got something.
“He’s a little bit lightweight at the moment, but if he gets to the bulk that his father [Gheorghe Hagi] had in his prime then he’s got something to offer.
“That guy can make a difference. He’s another guy who can step up to the plate in times like this when you’ve got a key injury.
“He was so unselfish for his second assist on Saturday for the third goal. He’s tremendous.”
Hagi has been a regular feature of Gerrard’s starting XI since making his loan deal from Genk permanent over the summer.
The youngster has starred in all seven of the Gers’ Scottish Premiership matches, scoring once and assisting two more.
In other Rangers news, the Gers have a player-plus-cash deal on the cards, club ready to swap centre-mid & forward.