'Big role' - Beale tips Hagi for major Rangers impact on return

The playmaker has been sidelined for almost a year after an ACL injury in the Scottish Cup against Stirling Albion.

But, Hagi is closing in on a return to action for Rangers - and could make his first-team comeback as soon as January.

The midfielder is in "light training" and is working in isolation to build up his fitness levels ahead of a return to contact action.

Beale is hopeful Hagi could make his return in the latter stages of January next year but admitted he could wait until February for the midfielder to be fully fit.

And upon his return, Hagi has been marked for a significant impact. "He’ll play a big role when he’s fit", said Beale.

"He’s a player I have a lot of belief in. I think he’s a very good player in this league.

"I would say mid to backend of January (for his return). He’s in light training with the group unopposed at the moment doing a lot of work in isolation in terms of building his fitness.

"He’s been a year out, there’s a lot of muscle loss and things like that that he has to go through returning.

"We’re just delighted. It’s great for the group that he’s out there, he’s very well-liked and if we can get him back towards the backend of January/start of February we’ll be delighted because he’ll be available for the last 15 to 18 games of the season."

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