Ianis Hagi has broken his silence over his Rangers return as one former Ibrox star named THREE positives about his display – before a ‘disappointing’ end to his big moment.
Philippe Clement reintroduced the Romania international after a length absence from the first team picture as a second half substitute and he instantly showed his worth to the team by picking out Vaclav Cerny with a pass into feet before the winger beat his men and drilled a low effort home to grab his and the Light Blues’ second of the contest in a 2-0 triumph over St Johnstone. Hagi was called upon before the second period got underway with the home support handing him a big ovation as he ran onto the pitch.
His night would end on a major downer after he was issued a straight red card and now faces a two-match suspension following the international break. He will sit out the games against Kilmarnock and St Mirren later this month after a VAR review upgraded his initial yellow card to a red. But putting that moment to one side, Hagi took to social media to express his gratitude to the fans. He wrote on Instagram: “Ibrox, thank you! I will forever be grateful for last night’s reception.” alongside a blue love heart emoji.
Former Rangers star Jamie Murphy also discussed his return to the fold as he pinpointed the positives he brings to the team, while also delivering his view on the red card talking point. He told the Scottish Football Podcast: “I am sure Rangers fans will be delighted to see him out there.
“He’s an exciting player, both feet and looks for the pass. You can tell from his assist for the goal that he is looking forward, he plays a good ball through to [Vaclav] Cerny for the goal.
“It is exciting for Rangers fans to have him back but I am sure he will be disappointed going home last night with his red card. I don’t think there are any arguments about it and I think he probably knows that himself.
“It’s just one of those late challenges, sticks out a leg and it looks quite bad on the video. Disappointing night in the end for him but I am sure everyone at Ibrox is glad he is back out there.”