MONDAY’S Old Firm derby will be a novel experience for Michael Beale in many ways. The Rangers manager, appointed as Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s replacement just over a month ago, will be taking charge of his first match against Celtic as his side look to close the nine-point gap with Ange Postecoglou’s league leaders. But that isn’t to say that Beale doesn’t know what to expect at Ibrox.
This isn’t the Englishman’s first rodeo. An important member of Steven Gerrard’s backroom staff, Beale is all too aware of the unique challenges posed by this fixture. There are echoes, too, of his first stint in Govan. Back then it was Brendan Rodgers’ all-conquering Celtic side that had to be eventually overhauled – and, after Rodgers departed for Leicester City and Neil Lennon was appointed, they eventually were.
Beale is facing a similar challenge to Gerrard. Earlier this week, he admitted that Celtic, who have won 18 out of 19 league matches this term, are currently playing at a ‘higher level’ than his own side but he is relishing the opportunity that Monday afternoon brings. Beale was at Ibrox when Ryan Jack scored the game’s only goal in a 1-0 win over Rodgers’ Celtic in December 2018 – Rangers’ first Old Firm victory in the league in years – and he is hoping to replicate certain aspects of that performance against Postecoglou’s team in Govan.
