Ianis Hagi gives Rangers what they have missed since Todd Cantwell

Ianis Hagi returning to the fold at Rangers has provided a "spark" missing since Todd Cantwell was in Philippe Clement's good books, according to Keith Jackson.

Writing for the Daily Record (23 December), Jackson said that Hagi, who began the season with the Gers' B Team due to a contract dispute, has taken up the playmaking mantle vacated by Cantwell.

The Romanian has feautred eight times for the Bears since being reinstated in the first-team, having avoided the same fate as Cantwell, who was sold to Blackburn Rovers late in the transfer window.

Jackson said: (Ianis) Hagi’s return to the dressing room appears to have sparked Rangers into life.

"The Romanian has added the kind of imagination, craft and guile which has been missing since Cantwell threw his toys out of the pram."

Ianis Hagi form shows benefits of staying the course at Rangers

For much of the summer window, Hagi and Cantwell seemed to be in the same boat when it came to their futures – a boat pointing firmly away from Ibrox and seemingly ready to set sail.

However, unlike Cantwell, whose exit to Ewood Park was one of five transfers to net the Gers just £810,000, Hagi staying put at Ibrox has proven to be a shrewd move for both parties.

Singled out for praise in a variety of positions – including out on the left flank in the Scottish League Cup Final against Celtic – Hagi has quickly made himself near-undroppable in Philippe Clement's side.

Cantwell fell out of favour with Clement to the extent that his departure in the summer was inevitable, but Hagi's form has completely reshapen a similar narrative developing around the Romanian.

With January on the horizon, it remains to be seen whether or not the Bears will strengthen in midfield, but after months of speculation, Hagi's place in the team is surely nailed-on.

In other Rangers news, the Light Blues can force this Premier League club to pay top-dollar for one of their in-demand stars.

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