McFadden wowed by ‘brilliant’ Rangers midfielder in win v Dundee United
Ianis Hagi received plaudits from James McFadden who described the Rangers star’s assist for Robin Propper as “brilliant” in the win over Dundee United.
McFadden, co-commentating alongside Ian Crocker live on Sky Sports Football (26 January, 13:11), credited Hagi as he played the ball infield for Propper to fire home a deflected strike, which proved decisive at Tannadice in an eventual 3-1 win.
The former Scotland striker also commended the “dream start” to the second half for the Light Blues who came from behind to claim victory, as Propper receives a confidence boost having endured a mixed start to his football in the UK.
Philippe Clement’s Gers survived the occasional scare in their trip north to take all three points back to Glasgow, as Mohamed Diomande’s excellent hit levelled the scores after Sam Dalby’s opener for the hosts, and Cyriel Dessers sealed proceedings late on.
Diomande received a very controversial red card in the final embers which will certainly be appealed, but Gers take the victory in an open game and run with it.
“They started the second half with the same energy as the first,” McFadden said.
“Brilliant there, it’s a great little pass from Hagi.
“Propper is striking it on target as well, and that goal was a dream start to the half for Rangers.”
Rangers with comeback win to go 13 points clear of Dundee United
Rangers’ win at Tannadice takes them 13 points ahead of third-placed Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership.
Sunday’s hosts have done well to move clear of Aberdeen whose form has been rancid of late, while Gers remain considerably behind Celtic and can use games this season as experimentation to an extent with second almost certain.
The ridiculously dismissed Diomande scored the goal of the game on a bitterly cold afternoon, but Propper’s fortuitous hit was every bit as important for Clement whose side were reeling from the late Old Trafford heartache of Thursday (23 January).
Rangers complete their league phase campaign in the Europa League this Thursday with their finale against Union Saint-Gilloise at Ibrox (30 January), as works continue to fix the parts of the stadium impacted by Storm Eowyn in recent days.
With qualification for the play-off round effectively secured, much of the priority will remain on the final days of the transfer window, with further activity expected in both directions.
In other Rangers news, Clement issues a key update on Ridvan Yilmaz as he missed Sunday’s game.
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