Michael Beale has explained the reasons behind Rangers not having the services of Antonio Colak or Leon King against Hibs.
The Light Blues boss got off to a winning start as his side came from behind twice to secure a comeback win in a five-goal thriller in the freezing cold in Govan. Ryan Porteous and Kevin Nisbet twice fired the visitors ahead at Ibrox but goals from Fashion Sakala, Ryan Jack and Alfredo Morelo s ensured the new regime got off to the perfect start and with that reduced Celtic's lead at the top of the Premiership table to six points ahead of their trip to Aberdeen.
John Lundstram was forced to fill in at centre-back with Ben Davies only fit enough for the bench and a run out in the final couple of minutes while Connor Goldson also missed out completely. The boss teased both could be included in his squad this evening but the game came too early as he opened up on his absentees in his post-match press conference. Top goalscorer Colak and King - who earlier penned a long-term deal to stay at the club - also both were not included at all in the match day squad.
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Speaking to Sky Sports following the 3-2 Ibrox triumph, Beale said: "Connor [Goldson] has trained for two days in seven weeks. Ben [Davies] has trained for three days.
"I have got to be careful here we've got a lot of big matches coming up. I felt after the performance at the weekend I could get through it but unfortunately Leon King went sick this morning and that changed our plans and John [Lundstram] had to drop back there.
"We lost [Antonio] Colak yesterday afternoon to a tight calf and didn't want to take a risk. The last 24 hours have been far from ideal after two weeks very calm.
"I stood in front of you before the game quite calm but in my head there was a lot going on. I am delighted to take the three points and I knew it wasn't going to be perfect.
"We just have to keep improving every week."
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