Hagi greatly impressed at last summer’s UEFA Euro under-21 Championships, and while Gerrard has no doubts over his ability, he has requested patience for him to get up to speed.
The manager told today’s press conference: “We are delighted. We are talking about one of the best talents in Europe at under-21 level, and I think he has already gone and proved that.
“We will have to be patient as it only happened a very short while ago and he has only had one session with the team.
“We’ve only had a couple of opportunities to show him tactically what we expect in and out of possession, but he will come into the squad with caution.
“I think everyone needs to be patient. I think we are all aware of the name on the back and I am sure he will continue to do that name very proud but it is important people don’t expect his old man to walk through the door and produce performances like he did in the World Cup which got me off the couch.”
One of young Hagi’s most impressive performances came against Niko Katic’s Croatia in that tournament last summer, with Gerrard adding: “I watched that game. I was watching Niko, but I was aware of all the players on the pitch. It’s an area where we continue to track the best young players at that age and at that level.
“So I have told him to be careful in training as Niko is a man who has a decent memory!”
There was mixed news on the injury front for Gers, however, with James Tavernier set to return to the squad following his appendix issue, though Jermain Defoe will miss out injured for the next few weeks.
On Defoe, the manager continued: “He is a bit low as he doesn’t want to miss football matches and was in great form. He has started the last four games and scored us three important goals.
“We are looking at around four weeks, best-case scenario, maybe five weeks. The problem that gives us is it takes us probably to the international break.
“We’ll do everything we can to get him back as quickly as possible, but you are probably looking at minimum four weeks.
“We have James who is back available in the 18 tomorrow, and Buffalo [Alfredo Morelos] is available after his suspension and a small muscle problem.
“So that strengthens us even more. Ryan Jack is progressing well, though obviously he will be missing tomorrow.
“Greg [Stewart] is back available as well. [James] isn’t ready to start the game, but he will be in the squad.
“His return is imminent, but to start the game from the beginning is probably a bit too soon.”