Michael Beale on Ange Postecoglou 'rift' as Rangers boss points to the prime example for Celtic rivalry

Michael Beale quashed claims of a clash of personalities with Ange Postecoglou as the Rangers boss insisted he has nothing but respect for his Celtic counterpart.

The Ibrox gaffer has faced accusations he’s deliberately set out to wind up his Parkhead rival with some of his public statements. The Londoner has already insisted he meant no harm when he referred to the Hoops as “the other team” during one media sit-down.

But his “lucky man” quip has been taken as a jibe aimed at Postecoglou’s Celtic Park spending power by some opposition supporters. Beale, however, is adamant his relationship with the man he’ll be squaring up to at Hampden on Sunday as both their teams scrap it out for Viaplay Cup glory is both positive and cordial.

The Rangers manager said: “There’s a huge mutual respect. It’s fine. We can laugh about it because we know there is nothing there. That’s you media guys’ jobs! I get it, it sells, it’s OK. The fixture sells itself. There is nothing between me and him. There is a lot of respect there.

“We can speak openly when we bump into each other at the games and what not. The job he’s done since he has come in to the country has been fantastic.

“He has helped recruit players from a part of the world and brought players in who have really shone a light on our game. It is my job to build a strong Rangers and try and move them out of the way.

“At this moment in time, we have two excellent teams in the country and we try to show that when we go into European competition. We were better than what both teams showed in terms of points in Europe this year and I think we will both show that next year.

“Both clubs are both in real healthy positions. It is OK for me to say that just because I have put on a blue