Rangers star Malik Tillman won his race to be fit to face off against Celtic in the Viaplay Cup final - but it wasn't a vintage performance from the Bayern Munich loanee.
Tillman was a major doubt heading into the Hampden showdown having been hampered by a calf and hamstring going into the clash against Ange Postecoglou's cup holders. John Lundstram was also a major doubt going into the game, but the midfield duo were both drafted into the starting line-up ahead of Todd Cantwell and Nicolas Raskin for the derby blockbuster at the national stadium.
However, after some heavy tackles in the opening exchanges it became clear that the 20-year-old was not 100 per cent, and Beale's gamble to give the playmaker the nod ahead of his January signing didn't pay off. The Norwich City recruit came on after 65 minutes for Tillman as he struggled to make a meaningful impact on the game.
A clue that the US international wasn't 100 per cent before a ball was even kicked has emerged from the warm-up. The starting XI were being put through their final sprints before heading down the tunnel for Beale's team talk.
Tillman appears to be sluggish when compared to the rest of his teammates and is the last man to head off the pitch from the Rangers side that would start the game. He then appears to take an awkward jump in frustration before trudging off the park.
Following the game, some pundits have criticised Beale for fielding the player ahead of Cantwell. Former Celtic defender Mark Wilson said: "Lundstram and Tillman looked a bit leggy. He made the changes but by then it was too late. Ange Postecoglou showed faith in his signings that he brought, and Michael Beale didn’t on the big stage."
However, Kenny Miller was quick to defend the Ibrox boss. He told Sky Sports: "Most Rangers fans would have expected Tillman to get the nod. I don't think you can argue with the team, but Celtic were able to have the control."
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