Andy Halliday is certain Ianis Hagi is good enough for Rangers but wouldn't rule out his former side searching for an upgrade in the transfer market.
The 22-year-old has shown flashes of brilliance during his 18 months in Glasgow but has yet to fully convince he can become a bonafide starter on a weekly basis for Steven Gerrard.
Hagi was below his best during the Scottish Cup exit at the hands of St Johnstone and was replaced by Scott Wright in the 68th minute.
That display cast fresh doubt over his long-term suitability amid fresh links with European heavyweights Lazio and Sevilla.
A phone-in caller suggested the Romanian playmaker might be better suited for continental games but ex-Rangers star Halliday pointed out that hasn't been the case.
Speaking on Superscoreboard, he said: "I think Steven Gerrard might disagree with that because in six group games Ianis Hagi started two.
"It actually almost feels when these games come around or the Old Firm games, Ianis Hagi is one of the first ones to get sacrificed.
"With me saying that, there's definitely a place for Ianis Hagi in the Rangers squad, let's not forget, he's 22, when he came on loan he was one of the standouts.
"He's come up with big goals in big moments, he's another one within the squad who I believe has the potential to improve.
"But for me, when you are looking the manager always has players they can trust in big games and I think Rangers have got nine, arguably 10 that are guaranteed all the time.
"That position, the Ianis Hagi, Kemar Roofe position, is the one that has got a bit of uncertainty in terms of the big games.
"That's why I feel that's the position they will look to improve but for me Ianis Hagi has certainly got a place in the Rangers squad, he's got a place in Scottish football.
"But in big games, he seems to be always the one that is sacrificed."
