IT WAS A BANNER IN THE WORKS..

MICHAEL BEALE has revealed he held talks with Rangers fans group Union Bears after being riled by a banner aimed at him.

On the eve of today’s Viaplay Cup Final against Celtic at Hampden, the Ibrox gaffer admits he took offence to a message displayed at Livingston last week.

Beale (above) was criticised by the vocal set of supporters for giving Partick Thistle a goal in Gers’ Scottish Cup tie, which he claimed upheld the club’s standards.

That prompted Union Bears to unveil a banner at Livi which had a pop at Beale by saying: ‘Two trophies in 11 years. Uphold the standards that matter’.

Last week, after the fans group approached him to deny it was a veiled dig, Beale told them he felt the sentiment and timing of it - was wrong.

Beale, who has won 13 of his 14 games in charge so far, said: “They reached out to me personally to say it wasn’t (aimed at me) but I thought it was to be honest.

“I did take it personally. It’s one of those things. We have fans all across the world and that’s a small minority.

“They’re very passionate and I think they do a lot of good things. They pay their money and come to support the team so they’re allowed to voice their opinion.

“But I explained that I would have preferred it not to be in that way and at this moment. It’s fine, everyone has their opinion on the game. I was a fan before I was manager so I get it.

“But it’s important that we stick together. It’s important that our fans are with us because when we’re united we’re a very strong club.”

Meanwhile, as he prepared to face Celtic for the first trophy of the season at Hampden, Beale wants his side to grasp the opportunity of silverware.

He says he is in the process of reshaping the core of a side that’s been together for the best part of five years.

But he’s adamant that the current crop of players still have plenty of success left in them.

He said: “I think we’re going to see a new team develop here. But I don’t like the word ‘rebuild’. I think we’re adding, evolving and growing.

“Rebuild is harsh on a squad of players that have won 13 of their last 14 games. I don’t think it’s anywhere near as broken as some people seem to think.

“It’s amazing how one or two results can change perceptions, certainly in Scotland.”

BY

A GRACIOUS bow of the head tells you everything about Kyogo Furuhashi.

The mere suggestion that he’s a leading contender to be Scotland’s Player of the Year is met with the kind of humility he’s become renowned for since arriving at Celtic. But of course he’ll be on the shortlist. He has to be. The Japanese striker has scored 22 goals in 34 games already this season. On current form, he looks certain to smash through the 30-goal barrier before May. But with Kyogo, it’s not just about goals. The 28-year-old has been a revelation at Parkhead for more than just sticking the ball in the back of the net. It’s his unassuming attitude. And his relentless work-rate, which involves hounding tired opposition defenders into mistakes.

Along with countryman Reo Hatate, Kyogo has lit up Celtic Park from the minute Ange Postecoglou signed him.

And he’s the guy supporters will rely on today to see off Old Firm rivals Rangers in the Viaplay League Cup Final.

It’s still early but Kyogo and Hatate are front-runners for the end-ofseason awards.

When that’s mentioned, he drops his head in appreciation. But in typical Kyogo style, he says any number of Celtic players could be crowned as the country’s top performer. The Hoops star said: “Thank you for saying I may be a contender for the award. I’m very humble. But Reo is a versatile, hardworking and talented player. I’m just honoured to be in the same team as him.

“And we have so many talented players, which helps us prepare for every game we have. Who would I choose as Player of the Year right now? I could say Joe Hart, Callum Mcgregor, Cameron Carter-vickers – there are so many, I couldn’t decide.

“I just focus on playing well, scoring goals and contributing to the team. I genuinely just enjoy football, I don’t think about other things.”

In last season’s League Cup Final, it was touch and go whether the former Vissel Kobe frontman would make it after being injured. He was desperate to play and Postecoglou threw him in against Hibs, who led Celtic 1-0 at Hampden after 51 minutes. That’s when Kyogo (inset with trophy) took matters into his own hands. He didn’t just cancel out Paul Hanlon’s opener within a minute, he then hit a super winner to seal Postcoglou’s first trophy as Celtic gaffer. A week ago, he looked to be an injury doubt again after hurting a shoulder – just like he did in September’s Old Firm clash at Parkhead. But like a year ago, he’s passed himself fit for Hampden and admits he’s dreaming of repeating the feat against Rangers.

Kyogo, who bagged his first Old Firm goal at Ibrox in the New Year 2-2 draw, said: “I’m looking forward to the final, I’m excited about it.

“We have prepared well as a team and I’m ready myself. The shoulder is feeling good.

“I was so happy to achieve the trophy last year. It was one of the most memorable moments of my career so far. I was pleased to score two goals to help the team. Of course, I would love a repeat against Rangers.

“When I injured my shoulder last year, I got a lot of support from my team-mates and the Celtic staff.

“I was able to return quickly because of them. Now, I want to pay them back.”