Ianis Hagi's renaissance began in an unfavorable environment.
A 4-1 victory over Stenhousemuir in the Scottish Challenge Cup in October marked Rangers' first goal in 17 months.
His importance was no match for the goal that headed the Ibrox team to a resounding victory over Celtic, of course.
If you'll forgive an old footballing cliché, the Romanian international's return to the Ibrox first team is starting to feel like the signing of a new player. The type of talent the club would struggle to acquire on the open market.
On loan to Spanish side Alavés last season, a contractual issue subjected the playmaker to the ignominy of playing games against lower-league cannon fodder Rangers B team.
When he outplayed Celtic's vaunted midfield on Thursday, with the legendary Father Gheorghe watching from the stands, the episode increasingly felt like a waste of talent. A damning indictment of mismanagement at the highest levels of the food chain at Ibrox.
Ianis Hagi gives Rangers an early lead during Thursday's 3-0 win over Celtic
The Romanian winger celebrates in style with Mohamed Diomande and Jefte
Coach Phillipe Clement joined the celebrations after seeing the team's good start rewarded.
Reflecting on the contrast between his goal at Forthbank three months ago and the seventh-minute goal that slotted into the corner past Kasper Schmeichel, the midfielder allowed himself a wry smile.
He said: 'I thought (this would happen) on January 2? No. Did I think that I would soon be able to perform at the highest level again? Yeah.
'That's what I was working and training for. “I knew the moment would come one way or another, and for me, I had to be ready when the opportunity arose.”
Few players embody the ups and downs of professional football better than Hagi. Burdened by his father's world-class reputation, injuries hampered his Rangers career before being loaned out.
The lowest point might have been that spell in the Rangers B team, before an act of sacrifice ended the contract stand-off that paved the way for a return to the first team and his first Old Firm goal.
“It's definitely special,” he admitted. '(What has happened to me) shows players around the world, young people coming out of academies, that football is not just fun and that not everything will turn out perfectly.
“It's part of a football player's career and as long as they respect football, as long as they love what they do and train 100 percent no matter the situation, things will somehow fall into place for them.” Obviously I'm an example of that.
“Even though I'm 26, it's probably my 10th or 11th season at senior level. I captained a team when I was 16, 17, I'm one of the captains of the national team, so I've been through a lot up to this age and fortunately I'm mature enough to understand certain situations in football and how it works. the commercial part of it.
Clement and his players pay tribute to the home fans after their unusual victory over Celtic
Gheorghe Hagi was present at Ibrox to see his son score his first Old Firm goal
“It's just about people understanding that this is football and that you have to respect it and love it.”
Having a father who knows the business inside out helps. The image of the great Gheorghe serving his son cups of Lemsip to get him fit and signing off for a New Year Old Firm game seems unlikely, but it could be closer to the truth than anyone thinks.
Knocked down by a virus, Hagi recovered well enough to put in a spirited display on a day when the Rangers won all their individual battles.
Especially in midfield, where Nico Raskin and Mohamed Diomande stalked Celtic, attacking and attacking every stray pass from an opponent.
“Having helped my family, not just my father here with me, during the last few days,” Hagi admitted.
“Three days ago I couldn't get out of bed, I was very sick, I couldn't help the team and then football fixed things.
“It was the perfect afternoon for me and the team. I think everything fell into place.” Obviously, personally I am happy, but as a team we are happy to have achieved the victory.
“We had a consistent game and that's probably what we're working on the most right now.”
Robin Propper scored the second biggest goal of the day midway through the second half.
Danilo added shine to the scoreboard with a third from the bench moments earlier.
For the Rangers, consistency is the Holy Grail. While the games against Celtic reflect what they experience in the Europa League (they are offered space and possibilities to attack with speed on the counter), their problems arise against lesser teams.
Knocking down a low block has become a recurring problem, especially away from home. Until that changes, hopes of giving Celtic a sustained run for their money in the Premiership remain hopelessly optimistic.
“We're a team, obviously, that can reach these kinds of heights and we have to do it consistently,” Hagi said. “Everyone knows it, the staff, the players, so we are working on it.
'Every victory helps you psychologically. Obviously, winning an Old Firm game is totally different.
“But consistency for us is the main thing and that's the focus right now.” I know it's very important to win Old Firm games but, at the moment, that's a thing of the past.
“We have a game (against Hibs at Easter Road on Sunday) and I think everyone knows we have to be consistent every three days.”
Having Hagi back fit and playing quickly does not harm Philippe Clement's long-term prospects at all.
With the player under contract until 2026, there may be less willingness to make a deal next time.
At least for now, the two parts seem to fit together. Hagi has found a satisfaction that has been missing for much of his Rangers career.
'Do I look happy? Yes, I am happy,” Hagi said. 'I have understood at this age how I need to perform and what environment I need to be in to do so.
“I'm very happy here and you can probably see it on the pitch compared to last season. In football you can't control things, but one thing is for sure: I'm very happy here.
“It's definitely a nice feeling to get your first goal in an Old Firm game.”