Chris Sutton warns Michael Beale Celtic defeat will create Rangers fan 'doubts' in pointed Ange 'total trust' contrast

Celtic hero Chris Sutton has branded the Viaplay Cup final vital for Michael Beale to avoid creating "doubt" in Rangers fans’ minds over the boss.

The Londoner will have his first shot at silverware since taking over the hotseat from Gio van Bronckhorst when he arrives at Hampden on Sunday to face off against Ange Postecoglou's Scottish Premiership leaders, having steering the Ibrox side to an unbeaten run since succeeding the Dutchman. Beale has the chance to secure a landmark victory and plant a seed of doubt in the minds of the runaway leaders as Rangers look to claw back Celtic's nine point advantage.

But the Parkhead hero – speaking on the Record Celtic Podcast – insists the showpiece final at the national stadium will have no impact on the charge to the title, but could have a major effect on Beale's standing among the Ibrox fans. Sutton, who has been involved in a public spat with the Ibrox boss, reckons Beale must claim silverware early in his tenure to avoid 'doubt" creeping in over his ability to challenge the Hoops.

Sutton said: "I think for Michael Beale it's not necessarily a must-win but look at it this way. If Ange Postecoglou and Celtic don't win the game, Celtic fans will be disappointed, of course they will, but there will still be that element of total trust in Postecoglou. If Rangers lose the game will there be the same faith in Michael Beale?

"Who has come in and had plenty to say but hasn't backed it up with the trophy? So that's his issue. It's a one off game, and you could argue if Rangers win the game and Celtic lose the game, I mean they (Celtic) are not going to try any harder, but they will really have to focus and use that as a tool to get them over the line."

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