Hagi putting in hard yards

IANIS HAGI has vowed to continue putting in the rehab hours over the summer as he bids to return to action for Rangers as soon as possible next term.

The playmaker missed the second half of the campaign after suffering an ACL injury during the Scottish Cup win over Stirling.

Rangers went on to lift the silverware at Hampden just days after seeing their dreams of Europa League glory ended after a shoot-out defeat in Seville.

Hagi has been keeping supporters updated on his recovery schedule in recent weeks and the Romanian is pleased with the progress that he is making as he counts down to his time to rejoin Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side once again.

Hagi said: “Thank you very much for the support throughout the season, it’s been unbelievable.

“The season is over now but my off-season is really important. I’m going to work so hard throughout the summer. It’s a really important stage of my rehab and I’m looking forward to it. Stay tuned.

“I’ve been working a lot on the leg, trying to get it strong and getting ready to be back on the pitch as soon as possible. We’ve been focusing a lot on the balance, on strength as well as the other part, the upper body just to stay fit.

“I’m really happy with how everything is going and my knee feels really good.”

Van Bronckhorst’s side return to pre-season action later this month and have crucial Champions League ties on the horizon as well as their Premiership opener with Livingston. And Hagi knows Rangers can head into the new season full of confidence after that remarkable run to Seville and extra-time triumph over Hearts.

“It’s been a really good season in Europe,” Hagi said. “It was amazing but obviously at the end of the day we didn’t win but I’m really proud of the team and really proud of everyone around the club. I’m really proud of the team.”