Glasgow Rangers starlet Ianis Hagis is struggling with his confidence, if recent reports are to be believed...

What's the story?

According to The Daily Record, there are growing concerns over Hagi's confidence as he has been dropped by club and country in recent weeks. Romania U21 boss Adrian Mutu has admitted he will hold talks with Hagi to boost his self-esteem.

The 21-year-old has arguably struggled at times this season, although he has still scored one goal and supplied five assists in 11 appearances in the Scottish Premiership so far, which is more than any other player in the league, but he was dropped to the bench before the international break. However, he has been named in Mutu's U21 squad for the game against Denmark next week.

Mutu said: "Ianis' confidence has been affected and he has not been starting so much for Rangers in the past few weeks either.

"I will speak to him and I am sure playing for the 21s again will give his confidence a big boost."

Sort it out, Gerrard!

Forgive me for spelling out the obvious, but Gerrard must give Hagi his full backing to restore his confidence. It really is that simple.

Last season, the 14-cap Romania international made four appearances for the Light Blues in the Europa League, scored twice and supplied one assist, whilst he averaged 1.3 shots, 1.3 key passes and 1.3 dribbles per game via WhoScored.

The Gers signed the winger on an initial loan deal from KRC Genk before they triggered the option to buy him for an undisclosed fee in the summer, which is believed to be somewhere in the region of £3.15m, via Transfermarkt, whilst he reportedly earns wages worth £23,000-per-week, making him the fifth-highest paid player at the club in the process.

However, he was left as an unused substitute for three out of the past six games consecutively, with summer signings Cedric Itten and Kemar Roofe preferred in his place for the games against Kilmarnock and Hamilton respectively. When you spend that kind of money on a player, especially one billed with so much promise, managers must open the door for opportunities as their development is crucial.

Once lauded as an "outstanding" talent by the Ibrox boss, Hagi has all of the tools and tricks of the trade at his disposal to bring the Gers fans to their feet, whenever they are actually allowed back at Ibrox.

Granted, the Romanian hasn't had the best of starts this season, but he has still provided eight assists in all competitions overall, only one fewer than club captain James Tavernier, via Transfermarkt.

Gerrard wasted a golden opportunity to give Hagi a run out during the 8-0 win over Hamilton. He must not make the same mistake again after the international break.

AND in other news, Glasgow Rangers must give Connor Goldson a bumper new deal in Nikola Katic’s absence...