The stakes are always high when Rangers face off against Celtic - and Michael Beale already knows all too well about being thrust into the firing line amid the derby chaos.
With the Viaplay Cup final looking like a potential turning point in the campaign, the Londoner knows all too well about being stuck in the eye of the storm - having played a key role in Rangers last victory over their Glasgow rivals. Beale had been acting as Steven Gerrard's trusted lieutenant when a Covid crisis rocked the Light Blues' leaving the manager frozen out on derby day.
Beale and Gary McAllister stepped into the vital role at Ibrox with five first-team players and the boss out of action, and managed to navigate choppy waters and secure a narrow 1-0 victory back in August 2021 during Ange Postecoglou's Old Firm showdown. Ahead of the game, McAllister talked up the presence of the assistant during the turbulent time for the club.
