Revitalised Rangers star Ianis Hagi says Old Firm derby goal is proof that the lows in football don't last forever
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The renaissance of Ianis Hagi began in inauspicious surroundings. A 4-1 win over Stenhousemuir in the Scottish Challenge Cup in October brought a first Rangers goal in 17 months. Its importance was no match for the strike which set the Ibrox side on their way to a rousing win over Celtic, of course.
![[The Romanian winger celebrates in style alongside Mohamed Diomande and Jefte]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/03/19/93720299-0-image-a-18_1735931370414.jpg)
If you’ll forgive an old footballing cliche, the return of the Romanian international to the Ibrox first team is beginning to feel like the signing of a new player. The kind of talent the club would struggle to purchase on the open market. On loan at Spanish side Alaves last season, a contract issue subjected the playmaker to the ignominy of playing games against lower-league cannon fodder for the Rangers B team.
![[Manager Phillipe Clement joined in the celebrations after seeing side's fast start rewarded]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/03/19/93720339-0-image-a-19_1735931450411.jpg)
As he outplayed Celtic’s feted midfield on Thursday — while watched from the stands by legendary father Gheorghe — the episode felt more and more like a waste of talent. A damning indictment of the mismanagement higher up the food chain at Ibrox.
![[Clement and his players pay tribute to the home supporters after rare win over Celtic]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/03/19/93720171-0-image-a-20_1735931469572.jpg)
Ianis Hagi fires Rangers into an early lead during Thursday's 3-0 victory over Celtic. The Romanian winger celebrates in style alongside Mohamed Diomande and Jefte. Manager Phillipe Clement joined in the celebrations after seeing side's fast start rewarded.
![[Gheorghe Hagi was in attendance at Ibrox to see his son net his first Old Firm goal]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/03/19/93720199-0-image-a-21_1735931480659.jpg)
Reflecting on the contrast between his goal at Forthbank three months ago and the seventh-minute strike which found a way into the corner past Kasper Schmeichel, the midfielder allowed himself a wry smile. He said: ‘Did I think (this would happen) on January 2? No Did I think I’m going to be able to perform at the highest level again soon? Yes.
![[Robin Propper got the all-important second goal of the day midway through the second half]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/03/19/93720189-0-image-a-22_1735931512399.jpg)
