Michael Stewart hails 'top drawer' Hibs performer in Rangers defeat and highlights 'dangerous' Ianis Hagi challenge

Hibs midfielder Joe Newell was hailed for a "top drawer" performance at Ibrox on Saturday as BBC pundit Michael Stewart dissected the 1-0 defeat to Rangers.
BBC pundit Michael Stewart felt Ianis Hagi's challenge on Joe Newell was 'dangerous play' and should have resulted in a penalty to Hibs (Photo by Rob Casey / SNS Group)BBC pundit Michael Stewart felt Ianis Hagi's challenge on Joe Newell was 'dangerous play' and should have resulted in a penalty to Hibs (Photo by Rob Casey / SNS Group)
BBC pundit Michael Stewart felt Ianis Hagi's challenge on Joe Newell was 'dangerous play' and should have resulted in a penalty to Hibs (Photo by Rob Casey / SNS Group)

Stewart, who played for Hibs between 2005 and 2007 before going on to spend three years at city rivals Hearts, was hugely impressed with the composure and range of passing the former Rotherham United man displayed against the league leaders.

"All afternoon I thought he was top drawer," Stewart said.

"Great composure in the middle of the park, and you need that going to Ibrox where you know Rangers are going to have a huge amount of the ball.

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"Picking the ball up first of all, recognising balls, wanting to go and get involved. He's not happy with just playing the ball forward he wants to go and continue to attack.

"Right throughout the game, huge amounts of composure in the middle of the park, constantly scanning and checking the space around him, stepping forward and what a ball to Nisbet. I think perhaps a little bit of the wind just blew it a bit close to him.

"I thought he was an absolute standout for Hibs."

Stewart also insisted Hibs should have had a second half penalty when Ianis Hagi went into a challenge on Newell inside the Rangers box with his boot raised high.

"That is a penalty kick all day long," he said. “It’s dangerous play.”

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Hagi struck in the 33rd minute to seal a 1-0 win for Steven Gerrard's side.

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