Ianis Hagi shows Rangers fans what they are missing with pivotal cameo role in Romania victory

Ianis Hagi showed Rangers fans just what they are missing after playing a pivotal role in Lithuania's 3-1 win against Lithuania.

Mircea Lucescu's men had gone into the game off the back of a handsome 3-0 victory against Kosovo in their Nations League C opener, but with just three minutes remaining on Monday night, looked like they would have to settle for a point against the Lithuanians. That was until Light Blues midfielder Hagi - who has been frozen out of the first team picture at Ibrox - appeared off the bench to win his team a crucial penalty.

The 25-year-old received the ball high on the right before moving towards the penalty area where he was brought down by Lithuania skipper Justas Lasickas. A spot kick was not immediately awarded, but following a VAR review the hosts were given a penalty which was duly dispatched by Razvan Marin before Alexandru Mitrita added a third in injury time.

After being deemed surplus to requirements by Philippe Clement, Hagi has kept himself fit by training with Rangers' B team, who he also featured for in pre-season. The playmaker had been expected to move on during the summer transfer window but remained with the club beyond the deadline despite reported interest from clubs in his homeland.

Belgian boss Clement has excluded the Romania international from the Gers Europa League squad and Hagi has not appeared in a competitive fixture for the club since August 2023, having spent the whole of last season on loan at Alaves in La Liga. Hagi is still contracted with the Light Blues until 2026.

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