Michael Beale answers Rangers 'battle fever' question as he admits win at Celtic no silver bullet

Michael Beale admits a Rangers win over Celtic won't cure all ills of this season – but it'll be a step in the right direction as he was probed on the 'battle fever' ahead of the derby.

The Light Blues trail their Glasgow rivals by nine points in the Scottish Premiership title race, with just eight games to go. And Beale is firmly aware the opportunity that awaits his squad on Saturday. It's win or bust essentially if Rangers’ slim chance of pouncing on a Celtic slip-up is to continue.

There won't be any away fans inside Parkhead for the showdown and Beale was asked about an emotional build-up to derby day. It was put to the boss that some Rangers fans call it 'battle fever' and when he was asked whether he got that same emotional build-up when it's Celtic at the weekend, Beale said: "I enjoy the big games, they are the reason you work and the reason you are in the game. It's a huge privilege to be involved in. Certainly away from home you feel a difference and they are going to come for you, there's a huge opportunity for both sets of players tomorrow."

A win is key for Rangers to stay in the title race and when asked for his thoughts on what it would do for confidence, Beale was reflective. He added: "It will be a key thing but nothing will take away the disappointment we have experienced this season.

"Three points isn't going to take us away but it moves us in the right direction. We are a team trying to do that and evolving all the time in terms of the style and ideas I have, and a big performance tomorrow would underline some of the good work or it will keep it as loud as it's been."

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