Influential Rangers players' role in 'Shock U-Turn' at Ibrox emerges - report

Ianis Hagi received the backing of multiple prominent Rangers players during his stand-off with the club, the Daily Record reports.

According to the outlet’s website on 1 October the Romanian had support from key elements of the Ibrox dressing room while he was frozen out of the first-team into the reserves, as a clause in his contract caused issues.

A “shock u-turn” has now seen him brought back into training with the senior side, where he could make his first appearance under Philippe Clement against St. Johnstone on 6 October [Heart & Hand Podcast, 1 October].

The manager had previously ruled out the possibility that Hagi could make a return [Daily Mail, 31 August], but he has now been pictured in first-team training, after being backed by “influential” Gers players to be welcomed back.

Philippe Clement brings Rangers ace back into the frame

Hagi’s recent plight has confounded fans and left both pundits and journalists alike questioning the wisdom of leaving such an established player languishing in the B Team.

It now appears some of the players felt the same, which can’t have been having a particularly beneficial effect on morale during a difficult start to the season.

Ibrox News pundit Derek Ferguson raised concerns over the body language of some during a rough preseason, while John Souttar gave an awkward answer in a press conference which raised doubts over unity behind the scenes.

Clearly it is largely speculation from the outside looking in but if elements of the dressing room were left wondering why a 41-cap international was turning out for the reserves when they needed help in the senior side that might have had something to do with it.

There has been extensive turnover in the squad in recent seasons so, aside from captain James Tavernier, it is difficult to guess who the key players who backed Hagi’s return might have been.

The likes of Jack Butland and Souttar, as well as potentially senior men like Cyriel Dessers, might be considered influential in the dressing room now.

But after Hagi spent last season on loan at Alaves and was out injured for the best part of a year prior only the centre-back will have played with him at all from that group, and aside from Tavernier and Leon Balogun there is barely anyone who will have first-hand experience of him at his best a few seasons ago.

In other Rangers news, a group of ex-players want to see Clement make a key tactical change after an “exciting” breakthrough in the squad.

For more Rangers news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.

The post Influential Rangers players' role in 'Shock U-Turn' at Ibrox emerges - report appeared first on Ibrox News.