Celtic hero Chris Sutton has branded the Viaplay Cup final vital for Michael Beale to avoid creating "doubt" in Rangers fans’ minds over the boss.
The Londoner will have his first shot at silverware since taking over the hotseat from Gio van Bronckhorst when he arrives at Hampden on Sunday to face off against Ange Postecoglou's Scottish Premiership leaders, having steering the Ibrox side to an unbeaten run since succeeding the Dutchman. Beale has the chance to secure a landmark victory and plant a seed of doubt in the minds of the runaway leaders as Rangers look to claw back Celtic's nine point advantage.
But the Parkhead hero – speaking on the Record Celtic Podcast – insists the showpiece final at the national stadium will have no impact on the charge to the title, but could have a major effect on Beale's standing among the Ibrox fans. Sutton, who has been involved in a public spat with the Ibrox boss, reckons Beale must claim silverware early in his tenure to avoid 'doubt" creeping in over his ability to challenge the Hoops.
