Ianis Hagi is desperate to return to Rangers’ European squad for the knockout phase of the Europa League – and can see similarities this season with the memorable run to the 2022 final.

The Romania playmaker was left out of Rangers’ pool for the first part of their European campaign because of a contract issue.

However he is a key component in the team again and manager Philippe Clement can change three players in his squad for the last-16 tie that will be held in March.

The Ibrox club will meet one of Bodo/Glimt, Twente, Anderlecht or Fenerbahce after the 2-1 win over Union Saint-Gilloise that secured a top-eight spot in the first phase table.

“It goes without saying that I want to be there also for the European nights,” said Hagi after scoring twice in Sunday’s 4-0 victory against Ross County.

“I’ve always enjoyed the European nights and hopefully I can help the team in them and not only the domestic games.

“It’s difficult when you don’t play at all in any type of game, not only European games. I want to be on the pitch for a full 90 minutes. That’s my mentality.

“But I’m probably speaking for every player in the dressing room – they want to be there as much as possible in the pitch.”