McCann changes tune on ‘Superb’ Rangers player he expects more from after 5-0 win v Ross County
Neil McCann has poured praise on the ‘excellent’ Ianis Hagi after admitting he has been left disappointed by the Rangers star recently.
Hagi made his third successive start on Saturday when he lined up in a 5-0 thrashing over Ross County at Ibrox, playing the full 90 minutes.
While he failed to grab a goal it was certainly a bright performance from the 22-year-old.
Speaking to Rangers TV [23/01/21] former Gers midfielder McCann was effusive in his praise for a player he has picked apart on occasion this season, saying: “I’ve been hard on Ianis Hagi because I expect more from him.
“Sometimes if I’m doing an analysis of a game, or assessments, or punditry, I get hard on players who I know can affect the game better than they have maybe done.”
He added: “Today I thought he was superb. Although he did not affect too many key points of the game from scoring positions, other than [Ryan] Jack’s, I thought his attitude was excellent.”
Roofe return will keep Hagi on his toes
While he failed to get his name onto the scoresheet against Ross County Hagi was a constant thorn in their side and fired off five shots, a figure only Joe Aribo could match.
Hagi has now gone five games without a goal after scoring in successive games in December v Motherwell and St Johnstone so this might be of some concern for the Romania international.
However the volume of shots he is producing show that he is not short on confidence and is always a willing option on the ball.
Kemar Roofe returned to the Rangers squad after missing the two previous games through injury and it was his absence that has allowed Hagi an extended run in the team.
He will have to be on top form now to keep Roofe and other attackers like Cedric Itten out of the team but he certainly impressed McCann enough to force him to back down on his views somewhat.
This selection headache will be music to the ears of Gerrard as he plots his way to securing the Premiership title at the earliest opportunity.
In other Rangers news, midfielder returns against Ross County and shows flashes of what the Gers have been missing.