Steven Gerrard reveals why he will always back Ianis Hagi's risk and reward style of football

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has praised the risk-taking approach of Ianis Hagi which helped the Ibrox side maintain their 16-point lead at the top of the Premiership.

Ianis Hagi celebrates after completing the scoring in Rangers' 3-0 win over St Johnstone in Perth on Wednesday. (Photo by Willie Vass / Scottish Sun - Pool via SNS Group)

Hagi marked his return to the starting line-up with a goal and an assist in Rangers’ 3-0 win over St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park on Wednesday evening.

The Romanian international forced the opener when his shot was spilled by Saints ‘keeper Zander Clark and fired in by Kemar Roofe.

“Our first goal comes from Ianis letting our first shot of the match go,” said Gerrard. “One thing Ianis will do in this team is try through passes, he'll take risks. He doesn't mind making mistakes and we don't mind it, so long as he's trying to do the right thing.

“He unleashes a shot and Kemar shows his real predatory instincts and gets us off the mark.”

Gerrard was also enthused by the display of attacking midfielder Joe Aribo whose return to top form was typified by the pass which allowed Glen Kamara to make it 2-0.

“I thought Joe really flexed his muscles and showed he's back,” added Gerrard.

“He's had a real tough start to the season with a big injury – probably the first of his career – and then a bit of an illness which held him back.

“He's gone through the gears in the last three or four weeks and he looks close to being back to his best which is really pleasing. The through ball, the weight, to see it with that vision was top class.”

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