Beale’s Gers on up & up

Michael Beale has told his players there can be no hiding place at Hampden.

Rangers travel to the National Stadium today to face Celtic in the Viaplay Cup Final looking to banish the memories of the 2019 showpiece that saw them lose out to Christopher Jullien’s winner.

Ange Postecoglou’s men have opened up a yawning nine-point gap in the league but Rangers have matched them blow for blow since Beale’s arrival.

The 2-2 draw with Celtic at Ibrox is the only points Rangers have dropped following Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s sacking.

Beale has been putting his own stamp on the team and January signings Nico Raskin and Todd Cantwell have presented the Gers manager with a selection headache ahead of the final.

Beale told Rangers TV: “If

OPTIONS Nico Raskin you come into a club like I did in mid-season, you’re unbeaten in 14 games with 13 wins, you can be happy.

“I have seen improvement week in, week out and it certainly helps going into this game in good form.

“It’s a big opportunity for the players, for the club in general and for the fans.

“We want them to get used to coming here and having good days out so it’s important we perform.

“We’ve had a rollercoaster ride the last few years, some highs and lows, but all of that makes you stronger – the good and the bad.

“Let’s really focus on this game and try to bring the trophy home for our fans.”

Beale is expecting a huge challenge and has called on his players to go out and make themselves heroes.

He said: “I’m expecting two excellent teams going toe-to-toe, I’m expecting goals and excitement.

“We need heroes but who’s that going to be? I’m just as excited as everybody else to see.”