Exclusive: Alex McLeish shares verdict on Ianis Hagi rotation at Rangers
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 will soon want to be involved every single week at Ibrox after tasting success.
The Romanian talent has enjoyed his best season yet with the Bears but is often rotated in midfield and attack by Steven Gerrard.
McLeish insists that creative players such as Hagi appreciate rests, and has proved he can play a massive role in years to come in Glasgow.
Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, McLeish said, “He’s still a young guy.
“As a lot of people do, if you’re not a high performer and haven’t been for a number of years before, he’s just learning his trade then Rangers and Celtic are very difficult clubs to play for due to expectation levels.
“He has in recent weeks showed a maturity that has me thinking, he can play a big part in this Rangers team. Like a lot of players that can make the difference, he probably enjoys a little bit of rest.
“There will be a time where Hagi thinks, I’ve got to be in this team every single week.”
Hagi has made eight substitute appearances this season and has made 22 starts, despite changing his role frequently from midfield to the front-three.
The 22-year-old has scored six and added nine assists, only James Tavernier has more goal involvements in the entire squad during the title-winning campaign.
There has been strong interest from outside this season, but Gerrard is moulding an incredible playmaker in Hagi, who will want a big role in this legacy.
McLeish knows what it takes to succeed at the Bears, and it appears this rotation of Hagi is all part of the plan at Ibrox.
In other Rangers news, Richard Gough hits back at criticism of Bears fans in celebrations