Michael Beale has revealed that Alfredo Morelos and Antonio Colak should be available to face Celtic.
Colak had been expected to play some part in the midweek win over Motherwell, but didn’t recover from a calf injury in time and had to sit out as the Light Blues warmed up for their Old Firm blockbuster with a 3-0 triumph over the Steelmen.
But it came at a cost after Morelos was forced off with a tight hamstring. The Colombian sent Gers on their way with the opening goal, but was facing a race against time to be fit for the Glasgow derby after hobbling off. That left beale facing a potential striker shortage ahead of welcoming Ange Postecoglou and his team to Ibrox on Monday, 2 January. But the Ibrox boss now expects both to be fit enough to be named in his squad after El Bufalo trained on Friday.
Kemar Roofe is more of a doubt, however. Beale admitted there’s a chance of him playing, but he’ll have to be part of the matchday pool if Morelos doesn;t make it.
Alfredo Morelos has trained and should be available along with Colak,” said Beale. “Roofe is touch and go, he would definitely be available if Morelos doesn't make it.
Connor Goldson and Ben Davies’ respective returns to fitness have resulted in two clean sheets in the last two games. But Beale is well aware of the step up in quality that Celtic will provide, and accepts that the Hoops are in their groove while Rangers are still trying to master their steps.
He added: “We have looked a lot stronger with the return of the Centre-Backs to the team. “At this moment in time, Celtic have had a better rhythm than us but we have to do whatever it takes to get the result. I'm hugely confident, it is Rangers at Ibrox.
“In a one-off game, we will meet them at the halfway line and go forward for the three points. We won't make a step backwards for Celtic or anyone who comes to Ibrox”
Beale also reckons his layers are getting used to his demands. Those include that second place won’t cut it. He explained: “This group are used to me demanding more. I will always be honest, we need to improve and I'll always demand more.
This game means a lot, I feel the responsibility every day. We need the feedback from this game to improve and move forward, as second is not good enough here.”
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