MICHAEL BEALE labelled the McDiarmid Park pitch as a 'cow field' after seeing Rangers overcome St Johnstone in the Scottish Cup.
Rangers rounded off a pleasing week with a hard-fought 1-0 win on Saturday night as Borna Barisic netted the winner late in the first half.
The victory over Callum Davidson's side came on the back of the Viaplay Cup semi-final success against Aberdeen and the Premiership triumph away to Kilmarnock.
Beale was critical of the surface that Rangers and the Dons had to play on at Hampden last weekend as the pitch at the National Stadium came under the spotlight.
It was far from a classic in difficult conditions in Perth but a moment of magic from Barisic proved the difference to secure a last 16 spot.
Beale said: “I’m delighted with everything. It’s been three games in six days, all away from Ibrox.
“I want to talk about our fans who have travelled around in January, which isn’t easy after Christmas and New Year. I’m pleased to reward them by getting through.
“When the draw was made, everyone looked at it as a sticky game on a difficult pitch.
“That’s exactly what it was. It wasn’t perfect but the most important thing was winning, a clean sheet and being in the next round. I’m absolutely delighted.
“I’ve just been told it’s Borna’s first goal from open play in a couple of years so well done to him.
“He got an assist in midweek as well. I was told at a press conference recently that fans were criticising him. They won’t be criticising him tonight.
“We certainly didn’t need three games in six days on two cow fields."
Beale refused to be drawn on the status of any potential Ibrox arrivals in the coming days as Rangers attempt to secure deals for Todd Cantwell, Morgan Whittaker and Nicolas Raskin.
But midfielder Charlie McCann is poised to leave Rangers after a deal was agreed with Forest Green Rovers.
Beale said: "Young Charlie is obviously having a chat with Forest Green so there will be some update on that but other than that there is nothing else."
