Ianis Hagi’s crucial cameo in Romania’s triumph demonstrates to Rangers supporters what they are missing.

Hagi came off the bench to win his side a decisive penalty kick in their 3-1 win against Lithuania in the Nations League

Ianis Hagi showed Rangers fans just what they are missing after playing a pivotal role in Lithuania’s 3-1 win against Lithuania.

Mircea Lucescu’s men had gone into the game off the back of a handsome 3-0 victory against Kosovo in their Nations League C opener, but with just three minutes remaining on Monday night, looked like they would have to settle for a point against the Lithuanians. That was until Light Blues midfielder Hagi – who has been frozen out of the first team picture at Ibrox – appeared off the bench to win his team a crucial penalty.

The 25-year-old received the ball high on the right before moving towards the penalty area where he was brought down by Lithuania skipper Justas Lasickas. A spot kick was not immediately awarded, but following a VAR review the hosts were given a penalty which was duly dispatched by Razvan Marin before Alexandru Mitrita added a third in injury time.

After being deemed surplus to requirements by Philippe Clement, Hagi has kept himself fit by training with Rangers’ B team, who he also featured for in pre-season. The playmaker had been expected to move on during the summer transfer window but remained with the club beyond the deadline despite reported interest from clubs in his homeland.

Belgian boss Clement has excluded the Romania international from the Gers Europa League squad and Hagi has not appeared in a competitive fixture for the club since August 2023, having spent the whole of last season on loan at Alaves in La Liga. Hagi is still contracted with the Light Blues until 2026.

The Dundee boss, Luke McCowan, told Tony Docherty over the phone that he won’t just be a jersey filler at Celtic.

The attacking midfielder won a dream move to Parkhead on deadline night and made his debut against Rangers

Tony Docherty knows Luke McCowan has the mentality to shine at Celtic and won’t just be going to fill a jersey.

The attacking midfielder won his dream move on deadline night and then capped it by making his debut in the derby win over Rangers. McCowan will now use the international break to find his feet with the champions and will be gearing up for their return against Hearts a week on Saturday. Docherty has watched the 26-year-old play the best football of his career over the past season and a bit while at Dundee.

He is well aware he has the ability to make an impact with Brendan Rodgers’ side and also the mental strength, having been his stand-in captain at Dee, with Joe Shaughnessy out long-term. Docherty predicted: “He’ll go and be successful at Celtic, knowing his mentality, knowing his spirit. He will make sure that he does well there, he’s not just going there to fill a jersey, he’ll do well there because he’s got the mentality to do well.

“That’s the most rewarding part of the job when you’ve helped somebody along the way, not just me, all the staff. The staff need to take a great amount of credit for it and his team-mates too.”

McCowan admitted in the madness of it all he had only got five hours sleep. He wanted to go into Dundee on Monday to say his thank-yous and goodbyes to the staff but Docherty ordered him to catch up on his rest.

Doc said: “Obviously there’s mixed emotions regarding Luke because you don’t want to lose someone who is such a good player for you but for Luke I couldn’t be more happy, you’ve seen all the pictures and his reaction. He phoned me Saturday night and said he’d only five hours sleep, he’s absolutely running on adrenaline.

“He was actually meant to come see us on Monday but I said just get your head down, get a sleep, catch up on your hours and we’ll catch you another time. We are all absolutely delighted for him, you couldn’t ask for a better boy.”

Docherty might be the man of the frontline but he believes the success of McCowan goes to everyone at Dundee. McCowan becomes Dee’s fifth seven-figure sale, following Rab Douglas, Jack Hendry, Claudio Caniggia and Julian Speroni.

Doc said: “That was part of the team talk last Saturday. I told them they all played a part in getting him there. It should be rewarding for all of us when a player goes on because he’s done what he’s done with you successfully.

“He’s moved on to bigger things and that’s what you’re in it for – to develop and improve players. When that happens you can take a deal of satisfaction but all the credit goes to Luke and his team-mates.”

Docherty handed Simon Murray the armband and was pleased with the character his side showed against St Mirren at the weekend. They had not only lost their leader but dug in and came back from being a goal down to salvage a point.

It was enough to see the Dark Blues continue their unbeaten start. Doc said: “It just illustrates to me the strength of players, the performance level was very good.”