Gheorghe Hagi has told son Ianis to keep his head up despite his lack of playing time at Rangers.

Hagi junior was an unused sub as Rangers laboured to a 1-0 win against Hearts at the weekend and he has played just 14 minutes as a sub at Aberdeen since he made his return to first team action against St Johnstone last month, where he was later sent off after coming on as a half time sub.

He hasn't started a game for Rangers since a 3-0 win at St Mirren in May 2023, after he was sent on loan to Alaves before he was frozen out on his return.

Ibrox boss Philippe Clement recalled Hagi from his exile, but seems reluctant to use the Romanian international.

And former Real Madrid and Barcelona legend Hagi senior has urged his son to stay strong.

He said: "I told Ianis, everything that happens in life is to make you better.

"Not everything is honey, sometimes there is also salt.

"It will make him stronger and better.

"I am calm about the situation at Rangers. Ianis knows how to overcome difficulties, he is a strong person."