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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
Sport
Alan Galindo

Ianis Hagi in Rangers eight word verdict after long-term injury return vs St Johnstone at Ibrox

Ianis Hagi was back for Rangers after a year out as the attacker summed up his return in just EIGHT words.

The Romania international was injured in a Scottish Cup clash with Stirling Albion over a year ago and after an intense rehab from the injury and continued hard work behind the scenes to get himself back fit and ready, he made his long-awaited return for Michael Beale's side off the bench in an Ibrox triumph over St Johnstone.

His return to action will come as a huge boost to his new boss as it helps add to his attacking options for the second half of the campaign. The 42-year-old remains unbeaten since taking over from Giovanni van Bronckhorst but has been unable to make a dent in Celtic's nine point lead to date due to the champions' relentless form. The next opportunity is when the Hoops face Dundee United later today at Tannadice in front of the Sky Sports cameras.

READ MORE: Michael Beale Rangers transfer update as he names four positions he would like to do business in

Hagi has missed a lot of football but grabbed around 20 minutes of action in Govan for his first appearance of the season. He will be hoping it is a sign of things to come as he bids to remain fit and healthy and build up his match fitness. There is plenty to play for with Rangers in League Cup Final action next month against Celtic while they also have a Scottish Cup to defend with the Light Blues into the last 16 to face Partick Thistle at home.

Posting about his return on social media, Hagi wrote: "After twelve months and one week, I’m Back!"

Speaking after the game, Beale told Rangers' official website: "I'm happy with the three points and another clean sheet. It was a really positive debut for Todd Cantwell and it was lovely to see Ianis Hagi back as well.

"I'm pleased for Glen. He's been managing an ankle injury, but I thought that was a stronger performance from him today. It's nice that he's getting in the final third and scoring, and he's also looking to pick passes and send people through like he did for Alfredo [Morelos] which is something we're asking him to add to his game.

"[For Todd], it's always nice for someone when they're signing for such a big club and it's a home game. I thought he was excellent. Some of the movement between him and Malik [Tillman] in the first half was very good.

"As a team we perhaps didn't reward it by scoring a goal off it, but the early signs with those two, just training together for two or three days, is that they're building a nice relationship on that side of the pitch so I'm very pleased with them.”

READ NEXT:

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- Charlie McCann in Rangers 'stay with me forever' sign off as Alex Lowry and Leon King send messages

- Ryan Jack Rangers English transfer 'interest' warning as Michael Beale urged new deal is a 'priority'

- Todd Cantwell hails Rangers 'fresh start' as new signing reveals debut timeline with fitness admission

- Billy Gilmour's four word Todd Cantwell Rangers transfer message after 'battle fever on' rally cry

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