Hagi feels at home on big stage in Europe

IANIS HAGI arrived at Rangers with a big name on his back and lofty ambitions in his mind. Today he stands on the brink of achieving the first of his goals as he continues his rise and rise at Ibrox.

The Romanian has become increasingly influential for Steven Gerrard’s side this term and his efforts will soon be rewarded as Rangers close in on the Premiership title. The Europa League stage will give Hagi another chance to shine.

European clashes with Slavia Prague will be key in the coming weeks but it is the first of three league fixtures, against Livingston this evening, that could take Rangers to the title that is the focus first and foremost.

Hagi said: “It means a lot to be honest. I always dreamed of playing, and I think every single player dreams of playing, on the big European nights.

“Whether it is the Europa League or the Champions League, we all dream of playing on those nights. It’s different to the league but at the same time it’s really beautiful.

“It makes me more mature, it makes me push myself every single time I step out in the Europa League. It’s a really good place to grow up as a player. It makes you push yourself every single night.

“When I came here I had a discussion with the manager and with Ross [Wilson, director of football]. So I knew what their plan was with me.

“It was the same type of plan I was thinking about. You have seen in the last year or so that I have just got better as a player.

“I think I have got better not only on the pitch, but off the pitch as well. I’m just trying to get better every single day.”

Rangers require just seven points to be crowned champions this season and end the wait for a long-suffering support. These are historic moments for Rangers and ones that the Ibrox squad will rightly savour themselves.

Hagi said: “I think it is huge and it has made me understand throughout the season how huge it is. To be honest with you, I can’t wait until that moment happens.

“But the mentality that we have as a team, and me as an individual, is to just look at the next game, try to win the game and come back to train to prepare.

“I have talked to the players, the medical staff, the coaching staff and everyone that surrounds the club.”

STEVEN GERRARD insists there has been no disparity in the way in which Rangers have dealt with their Covid rule-breakers this season as three Ibrox stars wait to discover their Scottish FA disciplinary fates.

Seven players have breached coronavirus regulations in two incidents this term. Gerrard said: “There is definitely contact between the SFA and our club. I’m not sure whether we are waiting for them or they are waiting for us – I’ve just been concentrating on training and games. I’ve left it to the people who deal with these things.

“The boys are back in the group and it’s important to say they are not being treated any differently to the previous two.

“They have been dealt with exactly the same in terms of fines. They all had to self-isolate for the correct amount of time under the government guidelines.

“They were suspended by the club for the same amount of time and fined exactly the same amount in terms of weeks’ wages.

“The only difference is that the two previous lads were desperate to play and wanted to go out on loan.”