Ally McCoist delivers surprise Ianis Hagi verdict live on talkSPORT after Rangers exit news
Ally McCoist believes Ianis Hagi has the potential to play at a higher level than Rangers if he could regain full fitness and half a yard more of pace.
The Romanian attacker, who was previously sidelined for a year with a serious knee injury, was offered a new contract with the Gers until 2026 earlier last season, but could still be sold by the Gers. [Scottish Mail on Sunday, 12 June]
Speaking live on talkSPORT Breakfast [15 June, 9:54am], McCoist waxed lyrical about the potential of the 24-year-old, despite managing to make just four Scottish Premiership appearances for Michael Beale’s side last campaign.
When quizzed about the fitness of Hagi by Rod Stewart, he said: “I think Hagi is half a yard short of being absolutely top class.
“I think if he was half a yard quicker he wouldn’t be with us.”
Jury still out
After arriving at Rangers with talent aplenty and lofty expectations, Hagi still hasn’t been able to prove to the club or supporters exactly what he is made of.
The knee injury which kept him out for a year was dreadful luck, and the summer overhaul under Beale is set to make his quest for first-team action even harder than previously thought.
The Romanian international is likely to be given an opportunity to prove his worth in pre-season after regaining full fitness, and it would come as no surprise if he were deemed too important to let go this summer.
Although in brief moments, Hagi has shown moments of quality and class that are otherwise missing in this current Rangers squad. With Malik Tillman also likely to be heading in another direction this summer, his ability to unlock defences could be a useful tool for Beale.
There is a talented player in and amongst the terrible injury record, but it is now time for the former Genk playmaker to live up to the talk.
In other Rangers news, one exit-bound Gers player is wanted across the world in an ‘exceptionally shrewd’ deal, according to Sky Sports.