By Graeme Hanna

15th May, 2023 | 4:40pm

Four Rangers players make new claim to be in Michael Beale rebuild after Celtic win

In Saturday’s impressive victory over Celtic, not only did Rangers provide some much needed relief to the supporters as well as belief for the challenge ahead next season, but four players made their claim to be part of the rebuild that Michael Beale will oversee.

For the final Old Firm meeting of the 2022/23 campaign, the Gers boss needed a win and his players duly delivered but he will have been very encouraged by some of the individual performances.

Robby McCrorie, John Souttar, Ridvan Yilmaz, and John Lundstram all made a statement of intent when it mattered, to stake their claim for the next stage under Beale.

Obviously, there was nothing on the line on Saturday and too often, this team has failed collectively, but the test was set and quite a few passed it with flying colours.

There will be wholesale changes to the squad in the weeks and months ahead, but after the manager’s first success over Ange Postecoglou, we now know a bit more about the mettle of the current crop.

Firstly, McCrorie continues to impress. His record now reads four games played and four clean sheets. Considering two of those have been against Celtic with another one being a tricky Euro assignment in Armenia, he has delivered when called upon.

The expectation is that Rangers will bring in another goalkeeper this summer but he continues to make a strong case to keep the gloves as the first choice at Ibrox. In particular, his save from Matt O’Riley epitomised what being a keeper at this club is all about.

In defence, Souttar bounced back from his Parkhead error in style with a very decent performance, rounded off with his first goal for the club.

The former Hearts man is more than capable with the ball at his feet but his aggression and tenacity came to the fore. He will be more than adequate to compete for a place next term.

Next to him, Ridvan had a game to remember and he needed it. The jury is still out on the Turkey international but he demonstrated that he can produce the goods in the big fixture. Importantly, he recovered from some early struggles against Liel Abada to go on and dominate the left flank for Rangers.

Another key display came from Lundstram. Whilst the likes of Todd Cantwell, Nico Raskin, and Ryan Jack deservedly earned plaudits, the Scouser also played his part. He has been consistently underwhelming this season but in recent weeks his level has increased.

There is still no guarantee for his future at Ibrox but if he can maintain his purpose and impact, there will be a role for him in the squad.

All four players delivered a timely reminder of their ability, ahead of the massive turnover that will unfold very soon.

In other Rangers news,  this bid could be part of a triple transfer push at Ibrox with millions set to be spent.