Hagi: Matches are boring without fans in grounds

IANIS Hagi has admitted he finds playing behind closed doors “boring” and is longing to sample the atmosphere generated by Rangers fans in Europe again soon.

Hagi joined the Ibrox club on loan from Genk in Belgium back in January and helped them to record epic Europa League last-32 wins over Portuguese rivals Braga.

The Romanian playmaker, who was signed permanently in a £3m deal in the summer, has been disappointed that no supporters have been allowed into matches this term. However, he still thinks Rangers can beat Willem II in the one-off Europa League third qualifying round match in the Netherlands tonight despite the absence of a crowd.

“It’s boring without fans and hopefully things get better soon and fans will be back,” he said. “Football is beautiful and you play for your fans and the team you play for.

“We’re here to win the game and go into the next round. This is our mindset. That’s it. Playing without fans is a disadvantage for both teams, whether you play home or away

“European matches are really big and I had the opportunity to see how big they are at Ibrox and obviously I want to feel the same, if not even better, again this season.

“As a young player you want to play on the highest level this season so that’s my aim, but I understand how big it is for Rangers to play in the group stage and I’m here not for my dreams and what I want but for the club.

“We have to win this game and do our job and then another game at the weekend so I don’t really think about what could happen in the next round.”