Rangers boss Steven Gerrard playing down hype over Ianis Hagi

The Light Blues boss has pleaded for the Rangers support to show Hagi - son of Romania great Gheorghe - patience following his arrival on loan from Genk.

But the fans’ excitement levels have gone into overdrive after seeing the 21-year-old fire a late winner against Hibernian on his first start, leaving Gerrard to laugh: “He hasn’t helped me there, has he?

“It was a fantastic finish.

“Looking back on the game you can see him coming to terms with the physicality up here in Scotland and getting used to the speed and the pace of the first half.

“But he grew and grew and grew as the game went on.

“What impressed me the most was that even when we went 1-0 down and at 1-1 when the crowd was getting a little bit edgy, he had the bravery and character to go receive it in any situation.

“It was him who was pushing to be the difference. I’d asked that of him and some others at half-time and I certainly got the response I was after.

“I’m sure people are going to get carried away now because he’s scored the winner on his first start.

“But he still will take time to adapt to all the different venues and teams we come against.

“He’s certainly a talent.”

There was some meaty challenges dished out to the 10-cap Romania international on Wednesday night.

And Gerrard has no doubt his new signing can cope with the rough and tumble in Scotland.

He said: “It will be slightly different in Scotland to the league he has played in.

“In Belgium, it’s slightly more technical and less aggressive than in Scotland.

“But it is what it is. He was aware of it before he arrived.

“He’s actually got a better build than he looks, he’s a very strong lad.”

Gerrard’s team this weekend turn focus to Hamilton in the William Hill Scottish Cup.