Kris Boyd shares Rangers surprise at Ianis Hagi development live on Sky Sports

Ianis Hagi's return to the first-team fold at Rangers has surprised Kris Boyd in terms of just how long it has taken.

Speaking on Sky Sports News (2 October, 10:07am), the former Ibrox hero said he is glad a resolution has been found between Philippe Clement and Hagi at Auchenhowie.

Following a lengthy contract stand-off over the course of the summer transfer window, Clement has agreed to reintegrate Hagi into his plans after previously demoting the Romanian to the club's B team [Rangers Review, 1 October].

Boyd said: "I'm surprised it's taken so long, to be honest.

"For me, this should have been as soon as the window shut. He's totally different to what Rangers have got there right now.

"I'm delighted he's back in the fold, but for me this should have been done a long time ago. Hagi still has a place at Rangers."

Ianis Hagi has to grasp Rangers opportunity with both hands

Hagi's form for the club's B team in reserves matches – scoring a free-kick and hat-trick in respective games – left Clement with only one option when weighing up playmaker's future at Ibrox.

Still only 25, a fit and firing Hagi has enough ability to make a positive difference this season, and with Celtic and Aberdeen flying high at the summit, the Gers are going to need all the help they can get.

Given the freedom to lead a massive overhaul in the Light Blues playing roster over the summer, Clement's new-look squad does still have some evident gaps, one of which is in the number 10 role.

Despite scoring back-to-back winners in their last two league matches, Tom Lawrence is not the long-term option in attacking midfield, while new signing Nedim Bajrami has only been used out wide so far.

That opens the door for Hagi to really stake a claim for a starting berth in Light Blue, and with the Romanian yet to play under Clement's tenure, Hagi has a chance to prove his worth to the Belgian.

In other Rangers news, Alan Brazil shared a "cracking" verdict with regards to the Gers live on air.

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