Michael Beale has opened up on his decision to drop Ianis Hagi from his Champions League squad for this week's clash against PSV.
The Romanian playmaker has been left out of the Ibrox club's squad for their play-off showdown with the Dutch giants in Glasgow tomorrow.
Hagi featured against Morton at the weekend in the League Cup and was vocal at full-time as he claimed he sometimes does not agree with his manager Beale.
Responding to the decision to drop the midfielder from his squad, Beale said: “No issues with Ianis. He wants to play as a starter and we might look at that before the window closes.
"Ianis and I spoke after three or four days of pre-season, about how he missed a year.
"I brought Ianis back into the team against Partick Thistle and that was very early into his rehab and it was clear at that moment that he wasn't ready.
"Over the summer he has worked really hard to be fit, I wouldn't say he is at optimum fitness right now and I think the conversations between us have always been honest.
"He is a player who I have a strong relationship with on a personal level and his desire is that he wants to be a starter and play every single game.
"No one has that guarantee here at Rangers. He is competing with Todd Cantwell for that role and maybe Sam Lammers and one or two others. Tom Lawrence is now returning.
"It is more what Ianis needs to get back from a year out with an ACL.
"Those conversations and options Ianis and his agent have been looking at over the past week or so.
"In the background, there has been a lot going on."
After Saturday's victory over Morton, Hagi said: “Every player wants to play. I’m disappointed about the situation but I respect the gaffer’s decision although it doesn’t mean I agree with it.
“He’s the manager. I’m a simple guy - I just love football, I train on a daily basis. I’ve had a one-year injury, they know me and my history and what I did.
“I’ve never felt better. I knew I needed a full pre-season. I think I’m the only one who didn’t miss a session and I’ve been available in everything.
“I’m really happy with how I am physically and some of my stats are better than prior to the injury.”
