Michael Beale rejects 'rubbish' Rangers narrative as he urges cynics to double check the numbers

Rangers boss Michael Beale watched his side cruise to a 4-0 win over Livingston and then told cynics to check their stats in the wake of fierce criticism after Sunday's victory against Motherwell.

The Englishman watched his side toil against the Steelmen, however, he flatly rejects any notion Stuart Kettlewell's side were superior as they lost 1-0 thank to Cyriel Dessers' first half strike but the man in the dugout was buoyed by improvements three days on. Beale was delighted with his side's Viaplay Cup stroll against Livi which teed up a semi-final showdown with Hearts in Wednesday. And he revealed that Yilmaz was taken off with cramp but striker Kemar Roofe suffered a groin problem and is a doubt for the weekend clash with Aberdeen. Beale cut a frustrated figure at some of the criticism that has come his and Rangers' way since the laboured 1-0 win over Motherwell on Sunday.

He said: “I just think we have to win football games. It’s four games now, it’s another clean sheet. I don’t know where the rubbish came that Motherwell were the better team at the weekend. Look at the stats. But I was right to say we were poor in possession. Tonight we were better and we deserved to win the game.

“We started off strongly, kept the ball well and knew the chances would come. It was a good performance and I’m happy. It was important to get the first goal early and important we started strongly. We kept the ball really well and the gaps eventually opened up.

“We have to perform and show that the lads understand the demands of the fans. We have been disappointed with the way we started the season but we know the performances are going to come and this is a step in the right direction. It’s down to us to get the fans right behind us.”