Michael Beale remained tight-lipped on Rangers’ transfer pursuit of Morgan Whittaker, but hailed his players after coming through a gruelling six-day schedule with three wins after beating St Johnstone.
The Light Blues booked their place in the fifth round of the Scottish Cup thanks to Borna Barisic’s first goal in two years. The Croat produced a stylish finish to find the roof of the net after fashion Sakala had hit the post with a low effort. It was enough to send the visitors through in front of over 7,000 away fans, with home punters staying in the house as they boycotted in protest at the Perth club;s decision to give Rangers three stands and charge £30 per ticket.
Rangers were taken to extra time by Aberdeen at Hampden last Sunday, and again had to come from behind in midweek as they beat Kilmarnock 3-2 at Rugby Park. It’s been a busy week for Beale’s boys, who are now nine games unbeaten since he returned to the club in the top job.
“I’m delighted to get through to the next round,” he said. “We’ve had three games in six days, all away from Ibrox and we’ve managed to get three victories.
“It’s a fantastic mentality from the group. It was a difficult pitch tonight but I thought it was an excellent goal.
“Firstly some great play from Fashion Sakala and the keeper makes a heck of a save on to the post. But Borna, he's not only getting assists but he’s scoring now so I’m delighted.
This was a tricky tie. When the draw was made, you know the history of us and St Johnstone in the cup so it;s nice to be on the right side of it.
“I thought St Johnstone played well throughout. They always carried a threat.
“We had a game in midweek and came off 120 minutes last week. The astroturf at Killie on Wednesday night in a late game meant we knew it was going to be tough tonight and we’d have to use the bench.
“I’m delighted overall. There’s lots been thrown at the group and in the line games I’ve been back, six have been away from Irbox. Our form’s good and we need to keep it strong”
Beale is yet to make a signing during the January transfer window and has so far been thwarted in his pursuit of Swansea City’s Morgan Whittaker. The forward was left out of their squad today to face Beale’s former club QPR, despite Russell Martin saying on Friday that he’d bee involved.
Whittaker reportedly wasn’t in the right “headspace” to play, but Martin offered little encouragement in terms of a deal with the Gers being done. Beale refused to be drawn on specifics, but confirmed there should be some news on the transfer front soon.
He told Viaplay Sports: “There will be some news in the coming days. None for you right now but there will be some news in the coming days.
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