Ianis Hagi aiming to be better than ever for Rangers in league run in

Rangers star Ianis Hagi says he is determined to be better than ever for Rangers now that he has returned from his year long injury nightmare.

The Romania international played 45 minutes in Sunday’s Scottish Cup victory over Partick Thistle, in what was his second appearance of the season.

He is now looking to make up for lost time and not only get back to his pre-injury best but take himself on to another level and help push the team on as the season begins to reach the stage when silverware starts being handed out.

Rangers have a League Cup final against Celtic next weekend but first face a tough trip to play David Martindale’s Livingston side in West Lothian.

Speaking to the media ahead of the game, Hagi provided an update on his health as he looked forward to re-integrating into the side: “I feel good. For me, every day that I feel healthy, I feel happy. It’s been a tough year. I’m still in the process of getting back to what I was before so just building up minutes and hopefully more minutes as the games go on. Being healthy throughout the week is my main focus.

“I’m a guy who always pushes 100% in training and games. I’m told that I have to manage myself sometimes and it’s hard to accept that, but it’s the process. I’ve understood this and I have to get along with it. I’m eager to get back as soon as possible and, believe me, I’m doing everything in my power to come back to what I was and even better. That’s my focus.”

Rangers bolstered their midfield ranks in January with the signings of Todd Cantwell and Nicolas Raskin, and Hagi has praised the strength of the squad that be believes will help them in their fight on three fronts this season.

Hagi added: “I think now, and both in the past and present, [competitiveness] defines the football club. It’s a healthy one. We have 50-60 games per season and it’s not easy to play every game. It’s tough both mentally and physically.

“This football club was never built on 11 players. We understand that and we try to fight for a spot every single day. It’s a healthy one and I think the gaffer will always be pleased to have 20-25 really good players to pick from.”