Ianis Hagi CUT from Rangers Champions League squad as Rabbi Matondo replaces the Romanian while Yilmaz decision made

Ianis Hagi is OUT of Rangers squad for the crucial Champions League qualifying play-off against PSV Eindhoven.

The Romanian winger, who made his lack of game time frustrations clear after the weekend’s narrow Viaplay Cup win over Greenock Morton, was initially included in Michael Beale’s squad but has now come out of the group for the do-or-die clash with the Holland outfit. Hagi was subbed on against the Ton and impressed but didn’t hold back when asked about his role at Ibrox, claiming his previous achievements at the club speak for themselves and that he doesn’t have to ‘prove anything to anyone’.

Now the 24-year-old comes out of the squad as does Ridvan Yilmaz, who is nursing an injury after turning out for the Light Blues in pre-season. The Turkish left back has had something of a torrid time since making the move from Besiktas in 2022. Beale has now given a chance to winger Rabbi Matondo who has made a vow to Rangers fans that they will see more of him after he has so far not impressed.

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Meanwhile crocked Ben Davies is back named among the squad to face Peter Bosz’s side, perhaps a hint the former Liverpool man could be nearing a return for the Light Blues. The centre-half was pictured at Auchenhowie training last week and would give the Londoner a boost ahead of the two-legged tussle. Wantaway star Scott Wright also remains part of the bulky squad.

Ianis Hagi battles for the ball with Morton’s Robbie Crawford

Hag said this week: “All through my time here, I know what my job is, so whenever I am on the pitch I need to create for this team. Everybody knows what they have to do at this football club. People expect me to create chaos in their defence by offensive attacks. I know what I have to do.

“Every footballer wants to play. I’m obviously disappointed by the situation but I respect the gaffer’s decisions. That doesn’t mean I agree with them but I respect them – he’s the manager of this club. I’m a simple guy, I just love football. I train 100 per cent on a daily basis, I come back from a one-year injury, they know who I am and they know my history at this football club, what I’ve done. I just want to play.

“I’m not in a position to prove anything to anyone. They know who I am as a player and what I did here when I played football. I’ve won at this football club individual and collective trophies. I just love to play football. That’s what I’ve done since I started walking as a kid. I’m just happy to be on the pitch and just enjoy my football. This is who I am, I am a simple guy.

“I’ve never felt better. I knew I needed a pre-season, I think I’m the only player in this team who has not missed a session this pre-season, plus the start of the season. I’ve been available for everything. I am happy with where I am physically. My stats are good, some of them are better than prior to injury. I’m in a really good place mentally and physically.”