GARY McALLISTER has revealed Rangers are working to tie down Euro hero Ianis Hagi on a permanent deal.
The Romanian playmaker bagged a sensational double against Braga to spark an extraordinary Europa League comeback on Thursday night.
Rangers star Ianis Hagi takes a bow in front of the Ibrox crowdCredit: PA:Press Association
And Gers No2 McAllister says they’ll use the affection of the fans to help convince the 21-year-old to remain in Glasgow. Hagi is on loan from Belgian side Genk until the end of the season but Gers DO have an option to buy this summer.
McAllister said: “I would say Thursday night was another massive positive.
“The way he has settled is something that will bode well for the future.
“He has come in here, he is enjoying the training and he has settled very quickly.
The Romanian scored a brace to bring the Ibrox club back from two goals down to winCredit: EPA
“He has got talent, there is no doubt about that.
“And the thing for me — is he right footed or is he left footed?
“If the lad keeps performing then we’ve got to be looking at the option to buy.
“The manager has the final say but he’s impressed all of us and we want to keep this young man going and keep his confidence high.
“If you’re a player against Braga and score a couple of goals in front of 50,000 fans singing your name then I think he’s enjoying it.
Rangers no.2 Gary McAllister on the training pitchCredit: Willie Vass – The Sun
“There’s no doubt that if you’re a player who aspires to play at a level and play in front of an arena like Ibrox, surely that’s where you would want to be. It’s up there among the very best.”
McAllister revealed he’s already talked to Hagi’s famous father, Gheorghe — who watched his son score twice in the 3-2 victory — and he’s all for him joining Rangers permanently.
He said: “I spoke to him prior to the game and after the game.
“I have got to say that he was one of my favourite players and I am not just saying that because we have signed his son.
“I think he is really pleased because he was aware of Ibrox and of Rangers but I think being there on Thursday night confirmed it that his son is in the right place for his development.
“I think that is where he sees his son, playing in that theatre where the pressure is on continuously.”
Steven Gerrard, above, and his side head to St Johnstone on Sunday without Borna Barisic, who is also a major doubt for the second leg with Braga after suffering a damaged kidney.
Alfredo Morelos is available for the Perth clash although he is out of the return in Portugal after picking up a booking for dissent.
McAllister added: “We will keep at him and keep nipping his ear. These moments, he has got to rid them from his game.
“It has happened before, it is a repeat offence.
“That is something we are continually working with him on and it is frustrating for us as well.
“But we have got to keep trying to better this fella’s discipline record and not to react.
“He does acknowledge it and he will put his hand up and say ‘I want to get better’. He is aware. We have all spoken to him. The lads have spoken to him.”
Ex-Rangers star Lee McCulloch on sharing a bus with footballing maverick Jimmy Bullard
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
