By Sam Stone

1st May, 2023 | 5:40pm

Kris Commons baffled at 'utterly perplexing' Michael Beale decision in Rangers 1-0 loss v Celtic

Kris Commons was left baffled by Michael Beale after the Rangers boss decided to take off Alfredo Morelos in the Gers’ 1-0 loss to Celtic.

Jota’s first-half header saw the Hoops through to the Scottish Cup final, where they will face Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

Writing in his Scottish Daily Mail column, Commons was completely perplexed by Beale after he replaced the 26-year-old with Ianis Hagi in the latter stages.

“Look, by no means was Alfredo Morelos having his best game yesterday. But if Rangers were going to get a goal, he was the most likely man to get it,” wrote Commons (Scottish Daily Mail, pg 63, 1 May).

“I was rubbing my eyes in disbelief when the board went up to signal that the Colombian was being replaced by Ianis Hagi.

“His introduction at that stage of the game was utterly perplexing.”

Deeper issues

Rangers didn’t lose the game because they took Morelos off. They lost the game because they don’t have the quality to compete with Celtic. There should’ve been a striker on the bench to come on and influence the game for Beale’s side.

Something drastic has to change during the off-season. There are far too many players who are below the standard required to don the famous blue jersey. Ryan Kent and Morelos look destined to depart, which is a good thing at this point.

The likes of Scott Arfield, Ryan Jack and Steven Davis will likely all depart in the summer. A huge rebuild is required and Beale has to get it spot on. Celtic are going from strength to strength with every passing transfer window, so a faultless transfer window is required.

With Rangers yet to beat the Bhoys during the 2022/23 season, questions will soon be asked of the boss if things don’t turn around at the start of the 2023/24 campaign.

In other Rangers news, official club partner makes ‘End of the road’ claim after 1-0 loss v Celtic in Scottish Cup semi-final.