STEVEN GERRARD was delighted an ‘outstanding’ Ianis Hagi came to the fore at Ibrox as Rangers kept their Premiership title dreams alive with victory over Hibernian.
The Romanian – the son of legendary Gheorghe - marked his first start for the Light Blues with a classy finish that clinched all three points to ensure no further ground was lost in the title race.
George Edmundson cancelled out Paul Hanlon’s opener just before the break and Rangers got their rewards for a relentless second half showing as Hagi netted with just minutes to spare.
Rangers were under huge pressure after dropping five points to Hearts and Aberdeen but this was a crucial victory at the top of the table.
Gerrard said: “I’m very happy. Obviously it’s a big win, three important points. Exactly what we needed.
“We got out the game what we deserved. Second half performance was lot more like us.
“We got frustrated in the first half, tried complicated things. We could feel the groans and frustrations of fans.
“I asked players at half-time to lift the crowd and get back to performances from earlier in the season. We deserved to win by more. We were the ones creating chances.
“Ianis is a top talent. I said it when he arrived.
“We picked very bold and ambitious line-up for a reason, because we were looking for creativity and a spark in final third.
“I thought his performance grew as the game wore on. In the first half he was getting used to the game in Scotland, people knocking him about.
“Second half he was much stronger. He’s a brave player. He'll receive the ball in any situation, in any area of the pitch. Even if he makes a mistake, he won’t shy away.
“His second half performance deserved to win the match. He was outstanding. I was actually shouting at him to take a touch.
"It's his dad’s birthday as well so it's a nice moment for him.”
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