Ally McCoist admits gap between Rangers and Celtic has closed since ‘excellent’ Michael Beale arrived
Ally McCoist believes Michael Beale has closed the gap between Rangers and Celtic since taking the job at Ibrox and his unbeaten record in the Scottish Premiership is an “excellent” achievement.
Since taking the reins at Ibrox, Beale is yet to taste defeat in 14 league matches, with a 2-1 defeat to the Hoops in the Viaplay Cup final the only blemish on his record.
The Englishman will have plenty of opportunities to exact revenge on the Old Firm rivals, with a trip to Celtic Park awaiting on 8 April and a Scottish Cup semi-final showdown at Hampden Park on 30 April.
Speaking to BBC Sport, former Ibrox hero McCoist waxed lyrical about the success Beale had managed in his early months on the job but admitted he would need time to make the necessary changes to his squad in the summer transfer window.
“I think he’s done well, I really do.” he said. “I definitely think the gap has closed. He’s only dropped two points; that’s excellent, absolutely excellent.
“There’s a train of thought that Celtic just slightly have the advantage at this moment but I don’t think the gap is what it once was.
“The League Cup final, there wasn’t a lot in it. Celtic probably just the better team. The game at Ibrox (2-2 at New Year), Celtic started well but Rangers probably should have won. He’ll know himself, Michael, he’s got to just tweak it a little bit.
“He’ll obviously look to strengthen. Without giving up on this year, which I don’t think for a minute he will do or has done, he’ll know that he’ll need to make changes in the summer. I hope he’s given the time to get a couple of transfer windows behind him where he can make it his own squad, his own team.”
Patience
The Celtic juggernaut was always going to be hard to reel in after the head start Van Bronckhorst offered up at the beginning of the season, and Beale has done everything in his power to close the gap in the league, to no avail.
A record of 14 matches unbeaten cannot be scoffed at, even if a few were scratching, unconvincing wins.
Winning ugly is a great trait to possess as a team, and at times Rangers have had to scrap for their three points. Falling behind after three minutes against Motherwell was the prime example.
The Gers offered up chances at Fir Park, something that Beale will certainly take note of, but in the end, they triumphed with the 4-2 win.
Although the Viaplay Cup final was a disappointing outing, Beale is still in his first six months on the job, compared to Ange Postecoglou, who has been in charge at Celtic since 2021.
It was always going to take time for Beale to instigate his style of football, and you can’t help but feel that this is only the beginning of the road.
In other Rangers news, the board should now be feeling the pressure after images emerge from stands in 4-2 win over Motherwell.