Ally McCoist hailed super sub Ianis Hagi after the Romanian helped spark Rangers into life to book a Premier Sports Cup semi-final place.
The former Genk man has been out of action after testing positive for Covid while on international duty last month.
But he returned with a bang after Steven Gerrard introduced him in place of the ineffective Scott Wright at the break with Gers deadlocked against Livingston at Ibrox.
Hagi set up Kemar Roofe for the opener thanks to nutmeg and energised the Light Blues with Alfredo Morelos adding a second for the Scottish Premiership champions.
Speaking after the game McCoist, working as a pundit for the tournament sponsor, said: “The substitution made a big difference, Hagi came in and he did exactly what we thought he would.
“He took the ball into feet, he was comfortable, drops his shoulder and makes a pass for the goal. I think he means it (the nutmeg), I really do, I think he means it.”
McCoist admitted the 22-year-old offers something different for Gerrard, saying: “Particularly when Rangers are playing at home and if they’re playing against a packed defence which they will do nine times out of 10.
“Most defences will defend deep with not a lot of space behind for forwards to run into, so it’s important to get somebody who will take the ball into the box, into feet, get a penalty or get a free-kick.
“He’s perfect at that, he’s got a lovely touch and as I said earlier he’s a very clever footballer.”
