Dad Gheorghe has told Philippe Clement his son Ianis Hagi is BETTER after a "difficult" year at Rangers as he impresses on loan at Alaves.

The 25-year-old fired his Romania side to Euro 2024 as he netted the decisive goal in the victory over Israel to cap off a return to form with the on loan with La Liga minnows after being shipped out of the Scottish Premiership side by Michael Beale in the summer. The playmaker was moved on to ramp up his fitness away from the Rangers first team after a massive summer signing drive.

Former Barcelona and Real Madrid star Gheorghe has declared those injury woes a thing of the past for his son. Speaking after Hagi Jr's goal to secure a spot in Germany, he opened up to his son's injury woes at Rangers telling Pro Sport: "I'm happy for Ianis because he went through a very difficult year. To come back after 12 months of injuries ... he worked very hard. He's on the right track.

"From a physical point of view, he looks good and we are happy that he is on the field. That's what we want, for him to be healthy. Then, we know what he's capable of doing."

And he looked to get the attention of new boss Clement as he insisted Ianis has improved since 13-month injury layoff. The Romania legend declared his son has already "paid" for the injury but it has led to his growth.

Speaking about his time at Rangers with an injury, Gheorghe continued: "I saw a player who dedicated himself to come back – he did everything possible. He did well, he dedicated himself, he also got personal physiotherapists to help him.

"He paid for the injury but he has grown to many things. From a physical point of view he has developed very well, he has matured, he is stronger, he has seen a lot of football, he has analysed, and these things make him much smarter on the field."