Michael Beale sends message to Barry Ferguson after Rangers win v Celtic
Michael Beale was thrilled with his former side Rangers beating Celtic at Parkhead in the Old Firm derby on Sunday.
Gers went into the game as underdogs but had a quick start to the game and went into the break with a 2-0 lead.
Despite Celtic equalising, Hamza Igamane scored a late winner to ensure the visitors won 3-2.
Barry Ferguson lauded by former Rangers manager Michael Beale
Beale has a deep-rooted connection with the club as he was there as Steven Gerrard’s assistant before becoming the permanent manager himself.
While his reign did not go as many wanted it to, it appears that he still holds the club dear to his heart.
This was Barry Ferguson’s first Old Firm derby in charge and going to Celtic Park was never going to be an easy thing.
However, he prepared his team well, got his team selection and system spot on and despite losing their advantage, managed to galvanise his side to go out and score the winner.
Beale, who surely must have appreciated all of that, took to Instagram to write: “Go on the famous. Excellent from Barry, his staff and players.”
Europa League tie against Athletic Bilbao is what fans will be waiting for
Ferguson would likely urge his squad to seize this Celtic victory as a rallying cry.
He’d stress the grit shown at Celtic Park – overcoming a tough atmosphere and delivering under pressure- as the perfect blueprint for Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League.
Ferguson would hammer home the need to replicate that relentless pressing and clinical finishing, qualities he embodied in his playing days.
| Stat | Celtic | Rangers |
| Possession | 72% | 28% |
| Big chances | 4 | 2 |
| Goalkeeper saves | 3 | 3 |
| Passes | 551 | 215 |
| Yellow cards | 0 | 3 |
| Fouls | 10 | 13 |
He’d tell the likes of Mohammed Diomande and Nicolas Raskin to step up again, driving the midfield against Bilbao’s robust style.
Drawing from his own European nights, he’d push for mental toughness, urging the team to treat San Mames like they did Celtic’s turf: a challenge to conquer, not fear.
Ferguson would advocate for unity and belief, using the derby win to fuel confidence, while warning against complacency.
For him, it’s about turning a domestic high into European glory, just as he did in his era.