Beale: Delighted With Effort

MICHAEL Beale insists he was delighted with the contribution throughout his Rangers squad in this afternoon’s 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen at Ibrox.

The Gers boss marked his debut as manager in the home dugout with a positive victory against Bundesliga opposition, with Malik Tillman grabbing a first half double before Scott Arfield rounded off the scoring six minutes from time.

Speaking to RangersTV after the match, Beale expressed his delight at the effort from his squad and says several players have given him food for thought ahead of Thursday’s clash with Hibernian: “Everyone staked a claim today and that’s what I want. All of a sudden, everyone looks like they’re a good player, and they’re also playing against good players with a lot of experience.

“In patches, our last pass or shot could have been better and we could have scored more goals. I thought Malik Tillman’s first goal in the first half was a fantastic finish, and his header for the second goal was outstanding. He’s a player that I’m delighted to be working with and I’m so excited to have him.

“The midfield in the first half, with Ryan Jack, Glen Kamara and Tillman, and the three that came on in the second half, I thought John Lundstram and Steven Davis were outstanding and Scott Arfield went and scored. That gave me a lot of food for thought. Alex Lowry also came on and did really well, and we tried with two strikers with Ryan Kent in behind. Fashion Jr. is just back in training so we didn’t want to risk anything more than 30 minutes. I was really pleased today. We’ve come and played a friendly against a good opponent and got a result with no injuries, so everything is gearing up for Thursday.”

It was the perfect preparation for the Light Blues ahead of their return to Scottish Premiership action against Hibs in midweek, but Beale insists there is still room for improvement as his side look to hit top form ahead of a busy schedule of games.

He continued: “I was pleased with the game, and pleased with the defensive shape. We used everyone that we had who had been training with us, which was important. There were some really good parts in the game, and parts where we need to tighten up.

“We have to be realistic about where Bayer Leverkusen are as well – they weren’t going full tilt – but there was still enough to be pleased with. We just need to make sure that the set play where they have a big chance in the first half, we don’t go 1-0 down in that moment because if you’re going for three points that makes a big difference. In general, I’m really pleased, and glad that it’s out of the way because I just want to get started on Thursday.”

Academy graduate Leon King partnered James Sands impressively at the heart of defence in the victory, and the Gers boss provided a positive injury update in regards to Connor Goldson and Ben Davies among his defensive ranks.

He added: “If all goes to plan I’ll have four central defensive options as opposed to just two on Thursday, it’s just where they’ll be at physically. I’m not going to rush them because we have a busy period coming up.

“We have to remind ourselves that James is playing out of position and playing out of position really well, while young Leon has come in. If it’s those guys that we’re going with on Thursday then I have every confidence if the whole team defend like they did today. The plan for Ben and Connor is that they will return to training in the next 24-48 hours which will be hugely important for the group.

“Connor and I have a fantastic relationship and he just wants to get out and play for the team. He is ahead of schedule, but I what I won’t do is rush him. I want him to be fit for 100% of the games that he is available for the rest of the season. It’s his first long-term injury for 3-4 years. We’re definitely a stronger team and dressing room for Connor’s presence so if he is available, then great, likewise with Ben. But we certainly won’t rush him.”

Watch reactions from Leon King and Adam Devine below.