IANIS HAGI has vowed to continue putting in the rehab hours over the summer as he bids to return to action for Rangers as soon as possible next term.
The playmaker missed the second half of the campaign after suffering a cruciate knee ligament injury during the Scottish Cup win over Stirling Albion.
Rangers went on to lift the silverware at Hampden just days after seeing their dreams of Europa League glory ended after a shoot-out defeat in Seville.
Hagi has been keeping supporters updated on his recovery schedule in recent weeks and the Romanian is pleased with the progress that he is making as he counts down to his time to rejoin Giovanni van Bronckhorst's side once again.
Hagi said: “Thank you very much for the support throughout the season, it’s been unbelievable.
“The season is over now but my off season is really important. I’m going to work so hard throughout the summer.
“It’s a really important stage of my rehab and I’m looking forward to it. Stay tuned.
“I’ve been working a lot on the leg, trying to get it strong and getting ready to be back on the pitch as soon as possible.
“We’ve been focusing a lot on the balance, on strength as well as the other part, the upper body just to stay fit.
“I’m really happy with how everything is going and my knee feels really good."
The cruel injury blow denied Hagi the chance to play in a European final and lift the cup at Hampden as Rangers ended the campaign on a high note.
Van Bronckhorst's side return to pre-season action later this month and have crucial Champions League ties on the horizon as well as their Premiership opener with Livingston.
And Hagi knows Rangers can head into the new season full of confidence after that remarkable run to Seville and extra-time triumph over the Jambos.
“It’s been a really good season in Europe," Hagi said. “It was amazing but obviously at the end of the day we didn’t win but I’m really proud of the team and really proud of everyone around the club. It’s been one for the history [books].
“After that it was important to finish the season with a trophy. Being able to have that last game of the season, the Scottish Cup final, was huge for everyone.
“The team prepared really well for that. I obviously had to continue my rehab everywhere I went, even in Seville then back to Glasgow.
“But [the team] were ready mentally, physically for that last game to win the trophy and managed to do that, adding a new trophy to the cabinet which is always good.
“I’m really proud of the team for what they’ve done this season."
