Michael Beale admits he is grateful to Partick Thistle boss Ian McCall for a 'classy gesture' he showed the Rangers boss recently.
The two Glasgow sides are set to meet in the Scottish Cup at Ibrox on Sunday, with the Championship outfit bristling at the thought of a cup upset over city counterparts and holders Rangers. Beale will square off with the Jags gaffer for the first time and admitted the two have a close friendship ever since the Englishman first came to Glasgow.
Rangers will be looking to keep their unbeaten streak under Beale alive but the Ibrox coach knows all too well the perils of a cup upset and says Partick have plenty of experience in their squad.
He said: "I know 'Cally' really well. He's a guy I've known since I first came up to Glasgow, he's been my friend in that time. He sent me a lovely letter when I got the job at QPR which was a very nice gesture for him to do.
"He showed a touch of class. He's someone we've loaned players to this season and before. I know him outside of football and I wish him well.
"He's got a lot of SPL experience in his squad. I think it will be an interesting game especially because they're going to bring 2500 fans which shows the support they have. We just need to push our standards and not drop from it in terms of attitude.
"I'm still looking for a greater level of performance despite us playing well."
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