Pundit shares Hagi verdict as Clement makes Walter Smith-like move at Rangers

Greg Stewart highly regards Ianis Hagi but believes Philippe Clement was right not to bring him on for Rangers against Hearts recently.

The Gers welcomed Neil Critchley’s team to Ibrox on 10 November in the Scottish Premiership, and a sixth-minute goal from Cyriel Dessers gave the hosts a narrow 1-0 victory.

Hagi hasn’t played much for the Light Blues this season, but speaking to the Daily Record [19 November], ex-Gers attacker Stewart wants to see more of the Romanian but has compared Clement’s decision to sure up the defence against Hearts to that of Walter Smith.

“When he’s fit, his numbers are good. He brings goals and assists to the table,” he said.

“I know people wanted to see him come on against Hearts. But what Clement did, trying to shore things up, that’s what Rangers did many a time under Walter Smith. OK, it wasn’t pretty, but you win 1-0, you scrape by after a European game against Olympiacos.

“It’s always difficult when you’ve travelled abroad and sometimes your performance is not important, it’s about getting the result. We managed to do that, but we just need to go on a run now. And yeah, I’d like to see Ianis get a run in the team too.”

Ianis Hagi needs more game time at Rangers

While it’s understandable that Hagi hasn’t played much since being slowly reintegrated into the squad, the midfielder has shown he’s ready to come back in recent weeks.

The 26-year-old’s first appearance of the 2024/25 campaign came against St Johnstone in the league on 6 October, and despite the red card, he was influential in the 2-0 win, providing an assist.

Clement also gave Hagi a few minutes for Rangers against Aberdeen on 30 October, but unfortunately, the Romania international wasn’t able to do much as he was subbed on for the final few minutes in the 2-1 loss.

The attacking midfielder played the full 90 minutes for his country on 18 November against Cyprus in the Nations League, setting up one goal in the 4-1 win.

Considering the recent struggles the Bears find themselves in, it would be prudent of Clement to start giving the 26-year-old more minutes going forward.

The Light Blues are set to return to action after the international break against Dundee United on 23 November, and the Ibrox crowd will indeed eagerly anticipate Hagi’s involvement.

In other Rangers news, Michael Stewart raved about John Souttar after what he did for Scotland against Poland.

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