Hagi Determined To Get Back Better Than Ever

IANIS Hagi insists he's determined to get back better than ever as the midfielder continues to build his minutes for Rangers following his return from a long-term injury at the end of last month.

The Romanian played 45 minutes for the Light Blues in Sunday afternoon's Scottish Cup victory over Partick Thistle, making his second appearance this season after he was sidelined for a year with a serious knee injury.

Speaking to the media ahead of Saturday afternoon's visit to Livingston in the Scottish Premiership, 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."

The 24-year-old also provided an insight into his recovery over the last 12 months, where he insists that his absence from the football pitch has made him grow as an individual.

He continued: "I couldn't get better football-wise because I was injured so I tried to improve in different aspects outside of football. I tried to understand the game from a different aspect and angle, and understand what a coach would look at with tactics. Besides that, I've tried to learn a new language which is always helpful in football.

"I understand my football more right now. I've been trying to analyse where I fit and how to maximise my qualities, and the understanding of who I am as a player. I'm ahead of where I was a year ago in terms of when I got injured and I just want to be out there right now and show myself."

Michael Beale bolstered his midfield ranks with the January additions of Todd Cantwell and Nicolas Raskin, adding yet more competition to the squad as the Gers continue to 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."


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