Stevie G perfect for Ianis

Gheorghe Hagi has heaped praise on Steven Gerrard for getting the best out of his son Ianis. The Romanian superkid became an instant Ibrox hero as he led Rangers’ incredible midweek fightback over Braga.

The on-loan Genk star hit a double as Gers recovered from being two goals down to win 3-2 in the Europa League last-32 first leg.

Hagi Snr (right) was close to tears after the winner but insisted on arrival home in Bucharest that his eyes were watering because of the cold. And he’s confident the loan spell won’t end in tears for his boy. He said: “The Rangers manager made it clear he wanted Ianis. “He was convinced of his quality. The manager is of great importance in Ianis’ development. He knows exactly how to get the best out of him, how to talk to him and integrate him in the group.

“Rangers have a good group of players and fans. That’s why they are an ideal club for Ianis.

“He’s just turned 21 and you can see the confidence growing in him – that has come from the Rangers manager.

“It was bad weather in Scotland but modern footballers must adapt to that – and Ianis did.

“I saw all the seasons in Glasgow within an hour – winter, summer, snow, rain, wind, sun. It was cold but he just got on with it. He is getting better every day and at Rangers he is playing in a top European competition. “I watched a great game with extraordinary supporters.”

And Hagi, speaking on a Romanian TV show, refused to compare himself with his son after he was shown a similar free-kick in his career.

In the 1986 European Super Cup Final, Hagi scored from almost the same position as Ianis hit his winner to seal a 1-0 win for Steaua Bucharest over Dynamo Kiev.

But Hagi said: “Stop making comparisons. It is not about me anymore. “Ianis is a player with great creativity in both feet. If he continues to improve he can have a great career.”