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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
Sport
Alan Galindo

Michael Beale in Rangers 'show me' Bayer Leverkusen demand as he insists 'we don't play friendlies'

Michael Beale has demanded his Rangers players 'show him' they want to be at Ibrox as they stake a claim against Bayer Leverkusen.

The new Ibrox gaffer - who came in following the decision to axe Dutchman Giovanni van Bronckhorst - wants his current crop to display their desire to be part of his Ibrox era when they play the German side in a friendly in Govan later today.

The showdown with the Bundesliga outfit will give supporters a first glimpse of the hard work that has been going on behind the scenes during the World Cup shutdown since the sensational return of the 42-year-old. He served as No2 under Steven Gerrard during his reign at Rangers but he is back as the main man with his new regime ready to begin. His first competitive match comes next week under the lights against Hibs with this game a big chance for players to put down a marker ahead of the Premiership return.

READ MORE: We 'signed' Billy Gilmour for Rangers in January transfer and he was a star under Michael Beale

He told Rangers TV : "Every player this weekend will be given an opportunity.

"If I'm a fan, I wouldn't look too closely at the team that starts and think, 'that's what the management team will go with against Hibs'.

"I have told the players everyone will have an opportunity this weekend to show me they want to be part of things.

"We don't play friendlies. So it's not going to be flying into tackles but I want it to be focused and intense and I want the players to show me they want to be here and the role that they can play.

"Certainly in the attacking positions, where we have got a number of players, I am going to give everyone an opportunity to stake a claim."

READ NEXT:

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- Leon Balogun reveals Rangers heartbreak at Steven Gerrard exit as he admits permanent 'blue fever'

- Rangers Europa League run income revealed as Ibrox chief compares 'drop in the ocean' to Premier League gulf

- Michael Beale in Rangers 'fit like a glove' claim as new boss uses AGM stage to make key performance promise

- Barry Ferguson urges Rangers new man Mick Beale to emulate Ange Postecoglou as Gio van Bronckhorst playing style criticised

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