'Perplexing' - Daily Record journalist reacts to what happened to Rangers star

Andy Newport insists the decision to initially exile Ianis Hagi at Rangers is looking “Perplexing” as their struggles continue.

Ibrox welcomed Dundee United on 23 November in the Scottish Premiership, and the Romanian came on as a substitute right after the break to help save a 1-1 draw.

Philippe Clement kept Hagi in the shadows for most of the season before a contract breakthrough was reached with the playmaker [Daily Record].

Speaking on Daily Record’s Hotline Live [23 November], Newport is baffled by the lack of minutes the Romania international has been given since then.

“The Hagi one for me is perplexing because this was a guy that initially we were told wasn’t part of Philippe Clement’s plans because he didn’t think he would involve him,” he said.

“For me, with his performance, there’s no way this guy should’ve been left out of the squad. He possesses everything that Rangers lack in terms of vision, and eye for a pass. As soon as he comes on they look a different team.”

Ianis Hagi could save Philippe Clement at Rangers

While Hagi wasn’t the most flashy player on the pitch in the second half against Dundee United, what the 26-year-old brought to the team was calmness — something Mohamed Diomande failed to provide in the opening 45 minutes.

The Romanian got on the ball and did the basics right, and Cerny was left to provide the spark in front of the goal, which he did after his link-up with Danilo.

Hagi has been at the Light Blues since 2020, but since his knee injury a few years back, the attacker has been unable to make a place for himself at the Glaswegian club.

Clement doesn’t seem to trust the 26-year-old, as he has made zero starts and featured in just three fixtures in the Scottish Premiership in the current campaign.

The game against Dundee United proved that the Belgian manager can’t count on Dessers to provide any sort of threat up front.

Clement’s half-time changes were a saving grace for him, and if the 50-year-old is smart enough, he will go with Hagi and Danilo in the starting lineup against St Johnstone on 1 December.

In other Rangers news, Clement is clinging onto his job at Ibrox after an update from a senior source.

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