Steven Naismith reacts to what Hagi did at Auchenhowie for Rangers recently

Steven Naismith has found the attitude of Ianis Hagi at Rangers “impressive” after he was exiled.

The former Hearts boss was speaking on BBC Sportscene [1 December] after the 1-0 victory over St Johnstone in which the Romanian created the opportunity that led to Jason Holt scoring an own goal.

Hagi has found game time hard to come by in recent seasons, but the 26-year-old is slowly establishing himself in Philippe Clement’s plans at Ibrox after impressing with the B team at Auchenhowie.

Naismith has lauded Hagi for his behaviour, saying: “The biggest thing that’s impressive is when he was out of the team and looked as if he didn’t have a future, he didn’t just sit, train, not interested.

“He played in the B team, consistently played there. Scored goals. Got his fitness. Probably helped the younger players in the squad. Which means he’s ready, ready to come back in.

“Yes, he’ll tire, but he’s ready to contribute. He did it for Romania in the last international break. And he’s now starting to do it for Rangers.”

Ianis Hagi is a breath of fresh air at Rangers

The midfielder has been a breath of fresh air at the Gers in the last few weeks, coming into the team and showcasing his dedication on the pitch, which hasn’t gone unnoticed by the Ibrox faithful.

In the first 11 fixtures of the Scottish Premiership in the current campaign, the 26-year-old featured just twice for the Light Blues.

Dumitru Dumitriu, the former Romanian manager, told the playmaker to leave the Glaswegian outfit [Golazo, 24 October] after his lack of opportunities at Rangers.

The 1-1 draw against Dundee United highlighted the importance of Hagi after he came on as a substitute at the start of the second half and changed the tide of the match, which Clement has also seemingly taken notice of.

At McDiarmid Park, the Romanian national was handed his first start of the league campaign.

It’s unfortunate that the midfielder isn’t in the Light Blues’ European squad, but fans will be hoping for the Glaswegian outfit to make it to the knockout stages of the competition.

Mohamed Diomande has been inconsistent in his displays for the Gers this season, making Hagi’s involvement even more essential.

The 26-year-old will be able to provide much-needed competition to other players in the squad, and the playmaker needs to be commended for the patience he’s shown at Ibrox.

In other Rangers news, Clement has been tipped to be on the agenda of the upcoming AGM.

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