MICHAEL BEALE is delighted Rangers can head into the international break in a positive way following this afternoon’s 4-2 victory over Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership.
It was the Light Blues eighth away win in a row as they came from behind to take all three points in North Lanarkshire.
Speaking to RangersTV at full-time, the manager said: “I didn't like the first two or three minutes but after that I thought we were in control for most of the game.
“In the first-half our crossing wasn't very good and we spoke about that at half-time and straight away we saw an improvement and it was a fantastic second goal. It was also lovely for Todd [Cantwell] to get his first goal for Rangers and then it was a fantastic finish from Malik Tillman.
“My only frustration in the game was that we didn't score more and the two goals we conceded, but for us to play as attacking as we are sometimes to score goals you may have to concede one every now and then.
“It was quite a slow pitch actually, it was a good pitch but quite slow and the ball was holding up, so we needed to speed up in our passing, running and improve in our final cross.
“After the second goal you could see we were enjoying ourselves. We were playing football in the right way and counter-pressing really well. Overall, we can go into this international break in a really positive way, our form has been strong in the league, and we are showing really good form away from home.”
The manager was able to make a number of changes this afternoon with Scott Arfield, John Souttar, Glen Kamara, Alfredo Morelos and Malik Tillman all introduced and says he is happy with the strength and depth in the squad at the moment.
Speaking on their impact, Beale added: “I think Alfredo and Malik have got the makings of an interesting partnership in the front two similar to how Fashion and Tony have been playing recently. All of a sudden it seems like we have got some good strength and depth.
“Todd is playing well, we had no Nico [Raskin] today but I thought John Lundstram and Ryan Jack were particularly good as well. I just felt with Alfredo and Malik coming on they have got such a presence and they hold the ball and allow the team to get closer to the goal and I thought they were really positive coming on.
“Alfredo is a little frustrated he didn't score but the next game is coming fast so enjoy a couple of days and we will get working towards that.”
Beale says it is important the players get some time away before an important end to the season. He continued: “I would rather not have the international break, I would rather keep going until the end of the season because I think we have got a good rhythm but nevertheless it is here and it is the first break since November so it is important that the boys get a little bit of time away.
“We will come back in and keep working on things certainly for the rest of this season but also with an eye towards next season as well. These last nine league games are vitally important, and we have a big semi-final coming up so there is still a lot to play for.
“We are evolving all the time and I have to say, I am really happy with everyone at the moment, even though we know we need to keep going to another level.”