Rangers news bulletin as struggling Ianis Hagi lands Alaves promise while crocked star eyes shock return date

Rangers loan star Ianis Hagi is set to come in from the cold at La Liga after not kicking a ball for two months at Alaves - as crocked Danilo targets a shock return in time for the Scottish Cup.

Hagi has been praised for his attitude in Spain by Alaves boss Luis Garcia, despite his loan move from Ibrox not working out. The 25-year-old is set to return to Rangers at the end of the season and he still has two more years left of his Ibrox deal after former boss Michael Beale extended his contract.

He hasn't featured since the start of March for Alaves and has been an unused sub for their last five games, having failed to score a single goal in La Liga in 18 appearances, although only six of those were as a starter. However, Alaves boss Garcia has pledged to use the Romanian international for the four remaining games this season, including a match against Real Madrid.

He said: "My idea is that everyone in the squad participates until the end of the season. There are people who helped us a lot from the shadows. For example, Ianis Hagi. He has an incredible attitude, the kid hasn't played for a long time, but he trains with joy, with anticipation and professionalism. So I want to involve him again in the last games of the season.”

Hagi hasn't played since he featured for Romania in a double-header of friendlies against Northern Ireland and against Colombia, where he scored. Despite his lack of action, he is viewed as an important player for his country this summer where Romania play against Ukraine, Belgium and Slovakia at the Euros.

Meanwhile, Danilo told fans during a live TikTok that he will do all he can to be back in time to face Celtic in the Scottish Cup final. The Brazilian signed from Feyenoord in the summer and was injured during a game against Hearts in December and had been ruled out for the season by Philippe Clement.

But the South American said: "I hope and I'll do my best to be at the cup final. Hopefully.

"But I cannot promise, that's difficult. I love you Rangers family, I love you all. Scotland is blue, there are no words anymore.

“Saturday (against Celtic in the league) is a massive, massive day. We're looking forward to it. We'll keep the fire going, everybody is focused. I appreciate all of you guys, thank you for the support, thank you for everything. When I'm back, nobody will be ready for the comeback. The comeback will be hard. I'm going to be back and you guys will see that. I'm doing my best to be fit.”

Ex Rangers goalkeeper Cammy Bell reckons Jack Butland can enhance his reputation even further with a standout display in the Lions’ Den of Parkhead. He told The Scottish Sun: “Celtic Park is the ultimate test for a Rangers keeper. Everyone will look to Jack on Saturday and he'll have a huge part to play in the game. We all know Celtic will have a large amount of possession and a number of shots. They go into this game in really good form.

"Rangers have picked up a bit since the week they lost to Ross County and drew at Dundee, but they will still look to their goalkeeper to have a big performance. You would expect Butland to have to make some big game-changing saves for Rangers to win the match. But they have a keeper who can do that. Butland has all the tools needed for this game, and also the character. He's been an absolute rock this season."