Ianis Hagi wows in Rangers win v Kilmarnock. Credit: BBC Sportscene / Imago

Naismith gushes over Ianis Hagi after what he saw Rangers star do v Kilmarnock

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

Published on:

05 Dec 2024, 2:10 am

Steven Naismith highlighted Ianis Hagi as a "massive player" for Rangers following his performance against Kilmarnock on Wednesday.

The 26-year-old picked up two assists as Philippe Clement's side grabbed a much-needed 6-0 win at Ibrox on 4 December, rightfully earning praise with a standout performance.

James Tavernier, Danilo, Hamza Igamane, and Vaclav Cerny were all on the scoresheet before a late Cyriel Dessers brace, but Hagi still stole the spotlights in the thumping win against Killie.

Speaking live via BBC Sportscene [4 December], Naismith said: "Here, you see Hagi putting a ball in, who over the past few weeks has been a massive player that's opened doors for the players running around him."

Ianis Hagi stars as Rangers creator v Kilmarnock

Supporters have been amazed by the Romanian midfielder since his return to Clement's squad on a regular basis, having been exiled upon the end of his loan in Spain.

The 26-year-old has been a popular figure at Ibrox since his arrival in 2020, and while a sour patch emerged earlier this season, the manager will be very happy with his displays since.

Clement has been under considerable pressure over the past few weeks, and while an 11-point gap with league leaders Celtic still exists, fans will have been able to smile for the first time in a while.

Many have already admitted defeat in the chase for the Scottish Premiership title, and understandably so. However, with Europa League football, it is important that the Light Blues carry on their form.

Rangers manager Philippe Clement

Hagi is certainly a player who has attempted to keep his spot in the starting XI, being one of the main attacking sources in the 1-0 win against St Johnstone before facing Kilmarnock.

Clement will be hoping for more of the same against Ross County on Sunday 8 December before crucial clashes against Tottenham in Europe and Celtic in the Scottish League Cup final.

In other Rangers news, Four Lads have named the rarely-seen ace who the Gers need "off the books" for £500k.

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Rangers

Kilmarnock

Ianis Hagi

Steven Naismith