Michael Beale out to defy Rangers critics who wanted him sacked and sets time for when breathing space will appear

Michael Beale wants Rangers to build momentum by beating Motherwell - and defying the critics who wanted him sacked.

The Ibrox gaffer hit back at people who said his job was under threat after an Old Firm defeat to Celtic a few weeks ago. Since then, Gers have won at St Johnstone and recorded a brilliant Europa League victory over Real Betis in midweek. Now, Beale wants to blow Motherwell’s terrific away record apart today - and keep the feel-good factor going in Govan. Ahead of the Premiership clash, he said: “I will start breathing again at the next international break and not before it. We’re taking one game at a time because I know how the wind can change.

“It changed in four days two weeks ago. Motherwell haven’t lost an away league game in eight. That tells you they have something about them as a group. The coach organises them well and there’s a good feeling in their camp. But I lost my first home game in nine months (against Celtic) and my job was on the line.

“So it just shows how some perceptions are in football. We’ll be trying to take their away record off them on Sunday. We can’t let go of the feeling we had in the stadium on Thursday night against Betis.

“Can we have that same feeling at kick-off against Motherwell? It’s important we make the game about Rangers. We must show the same energy and passion - as well as a little bit more quality. I’m not going to let the players off with that. We have a huge week domestically.”

Rangers can ill afford to fall any further behind Celtic in the Premiership table so need maximum points against the Steelmen. Beale refused to admit they can’t slip again in the league - but knows how vital a win will be ahead of their Viaplay Cup quarter-final against Livingston on