Michael Beale says Ianis Hagi will play a 'big role' for Rangers as the new boss set out a timeline for his return from injury.
The Romanian has been out since January after suffering a serious ACL injury in a Scottish Cup tie with Stirling Albion. He has been hard at work behind the scenes and even documented some of his journey back to fitness after close to a year out.
Rangers handed a new contract to the 24-year-old last week with his big return edging closer and closer. The new boss has a lot of belief in the playmaker as he admitted his delight at having him back out on the grass doing light training with the group. He should return to action by the end of January, or start of February, which would mean he could feature in anything between the last 15 to 18 games in a major boost to the Ibrox men.
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Speaking about Hagi, Beale said: "He’ll play a big role when he’s fit.
"He’s a player I have a lot of belief in. I think he’s a very good player in this league.
"I would say mid to backend of January (for his return). He’s in light training with the group unopposed at the moment doing a lot of work in isolation in terms of building his fitness.
"He’s been a year out, there’s a lot of muscle loss and things like that that he has to go through returning.
"We’re just delighted. It’s great for the group that he’s out there, he’s very well-liked and if we can get him back towards the backend of January/start of February we’ll be delighted because he’ll be available for the last 15 to 18 games of the season."
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