Former Rangers midfielder Kevin Thomson reckons Michael Beale CAN lead the Ibrox side to the Scottish Premiership title this season.
However, he has warned that if they don't challenge Celtic the pressure will quickly pile on the former Queens Park Rangers boss. Beale stepped into the hot seat after a lacklustre campaign for Rangers so far this term, with Gio van Bronckhorst being shown the door with Ange Postecoglou's men on course for a second consecutive title victory having carved out a convincing nine point lead at the top.
Beale took charge of his first victory during the 3-0 friendly victory over Bayer Leverkusen, and will look to keep that early momentum during his first competitive game at the helm against Hibs. Thomson reckons that a victory over Lee Johnson's side is vital for the season ahead, and reckons Beale will be telling the players they can still lift the league title at the end of the campaign.
Thomson told Sky Sports News : "They need to try and bridge the gap, and they need to try and be really competitive with the other side of the city. It's difficult game against Hibs, no doubt about it. Every game will be difficult moving forward.
"They will know that the derby is coming and it's at home, so they will know they need to capitalise on. I'm pretty sure both teams are capable of going on good runs, which makes it difficult to bridge that gap.
"But he will certainly be keeping an eye on the cup competitions and on closing that gap. I'm pretty sure he will be sending the internal message that this is still a title fight.
"I think there is no doubt that from an outsider looking in at the end of Gio van Bronckhorst's reign there was something amiss. The team did look a bit lethargic, and it did look a bit one paced.
"I am pretty sure that is going to change. There is no doubt Mick is a wizard on the training pitch and the players will buy into him, but the harsh reality is that when you aren't winning games and ain't top of the league second is nothing in Scotland.
"So, the pressure will come. But so far so good, and I think he have taken a lot of positives out of Saturday (against Bayer Leverkusen) but the harsh reality is they need to win games of football."
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