Michael Beale clamps Rangers cynics as he claims detractors 'like the sound of their own voice'

Michael Beale knows what’s coming if Rangers don’t beat Celtic today and go on to win the Scottish Cup.

Irrespective of the fact the Premiership title was gone by the time he arrived as gaffer. And that he can’t properly be judged until he’s had a summer transfer window to recruit his own players. The Ibrox boss realises if they fail to see off their Old Firm rivals at Hampden, the pressure on him and his staff will be cranked up. So you’d think he might be getting anxious.

But instead, Beale says he’s NOT alarmed at his failure to defeat Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic in three derbies so far. He’s positive that the tide will eventually turn in Glasgow and Rangers will be the side back on top. Ahead of today’s semi-final clash, the Englishman said: “I was next to Steven Gerrard for three-and-a-half years and saw how fierce it can be in terms of praise and criticism.

“I can’t help the opinions of people on the outside because half of this city doesn’t like me anyway – and the other half only like me if I win. That’s the reality. It’s the same for Ange and for Gio van Bronckhorst, Neil Lennon, Steven, Martin O’Neill, Walter Smith. But I’m trying to make this team stronger, younger, stable, more consistent and with room to grow.

“Does every Rangers manager need a win over Celtic as soon as possible? Well, not every Rangers manager has had the fortune of experiencing a run of games as an assistant against that team. So I’m not panicking What I have to do is win trophies and make Rangers strong. That coincides with beating Celtic.”

Former Hoops players Chris Sutton and Simon Donnelly have said that Celtic have a psychological “hold” over Rangers now. But Beale isn’t having that. And despite losing the last two derbies – including