By Sam Stone

16th Mar, 2023 | 1:08pm

Michael Beale shares Malik Tillman update ahead of Rangers v Motherwell

Michael Beale has confirmed Malik Tillman is back in Rangers training ahead of the Light Blues’ Scottish Premiership clash against Motherwell.

The Gers head to Fir Park looking to close the gap at the top of the table. However, Beale will be without Borna Barisic, with the left back expected the birth of his first child.

The Rangers boss also revealed that Ridvan Yilmaz is available for selection after returning to the squad for the Scottish Cup win over Raith Rovers.

“Malik Tillman trained today and is available for selection. Borna’s wife is due to give birth any day and he is then away for international duty. Ridvan is fit and available for selection,” said Beale (Rangers Twitter account, 16 March).

Momentum

It appears the injury list has somewhat cleared up and the news on Yilmaz is encouraging. The SPFL clash against Motherwell is another opportunity for Beale to get the likes of Nicolas Raskin and Todd Cantwell firmly entrenched in his plans.

The midfield duo have been eased into proceedings at Ibrox, but both players will be absolutely essential for when Ranges face off against Celtic in the Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden Park. The fixture has taken added significance after the Gers’ cup final defeat to Ange Postecoglou’s side.

Celtic are looking set to stroll towards another title and could well secure a famous treble with a win over their fierce rivals in the semi-final.

Beale made a mistake during the final. He should have gambled and thrown his new signings into the fray. It’s unlikely he will make the same error again. Between now and their next Old Firm clash, it’s essential the Gers keep racking up wins domestically.

In other Rangers news, the club are in line for a multi-million windfall from the Premier League after a £10m Auchenhowie milestone was reached.