Michael Beale last night urged his Rangers casualty concerns to fess up and tell him straight if they’re fit enough for Hampden.
The Ibrox boss made his appeal after revealing he’s been hit with yet another set-back ahead of Sunday’s Viaplay Cup final as he confirmed Kemar Roofe is also now a major doubt. Beale was already facing a midfield injury crisis as he sweats on key men Malik Tillman, John Lundstram, Ryan Jack and Scott Arfield being back in time to face Celtic after the quartet sat out Gers’ weekend win at Livingston.
The Londoner hasn’t given up hope that a couple of those influential performers could pull through. But he’s only prepared to throw them in against Ange Postecoglou’s holders if he believes his crocked stars can go the distance. Asked if he was ready to take a gamble, the Rangers manager said: “Only if I think they can get through it. We live in a fantasy world if we think players lace their boots up every week in fantastic physical condition. It’s a final against a big rival. I am 100 percent sure one or two will declare themselves fit around Friday or Saturday, whether they are I’ll have to make the choice on that.
