‘He’s Playing Out of His Skin’ – Exclusive: Pundit in awe of Rangers man after Ibrox display
Noel Whelan has heaped praise on Rangers star Ianis Hagi for “playing out of his skin” after he scored the winning goal in their victory over Hibernian.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Aberdeen and Livingston striker claimed the 22-year-old is giving manager Steven Gerrard a selection headache.
Hagi was handed his first SPFL start since the end of October on Wednesday night and marked his return to the starting XI with a goal in their 3-0 win over St. Johnstone.
He retained his place for the visit of Hibs on Boxing Day and scored the only goal in the Gers’ 1-0 win at Ibrox before being substituted late in the second half.
Asked by Football Insider whether Hagi can become a regular starter for Gerrard in 2021, Whelan said: “He’s definitely got the ability because Steven Gerrard brought him in.
“Steven Gerrard, being the midfield player he was and having leadership and quality that he did, he’s obviously seen something in Hagi otherwise he wouldn’t have brought in.
“He’s progressing players and there’s competition all over the field at Rangers which they’ve not had before.
“Everybody is playing out of their skin. When you get given an opportunity you’ve got to make it count, you’ve got to create, you’ve got to be busy, you’ve got to work hard defensively.
“If you get on the scoresheet you get Gerrard thinking ‘Can I leave him out?’
“Everybody is rising for Steven Gerrard and what he wants from his squad. Which is a competition for places. With Morelos out recently the goalscorers are showing they don’t need him, they can go and win games without him.
“Hagi’s doing everything right to force his way into the side regularly and showing why Gerrard bought him.”
In other news, a top pundit has claimed Steven Gerrard will be pleading with the Rangers board after a transfer reveal.