Michael Beale salutes 'outstanding' Kyogo as Rangers boss confesses ruthless Celtic hero IS the difference

Rangers boss Michael Beale has hailed Celtic striker Kyogo Furuhashi as the Premiership’s best player.

And the Ibrox gaffer says the Japanese star is the main reason why Ange Postecoglou’s side are champions again. Kyogo has scored 23 goals in the league this season - and five in his last three games against Gers. Ahead of today’s Scottish Cup semi-final clash at Hampden, Beale says he’s been the difference-maker in Old Firm derbies.

And he’s adamant that if Rangers had a front-man as clinical as Kyogo, the Ibrox men would be a lot closer to their city rivals in the title race. His top scorer in the Premiership is defender James Tavernier, with main strikers Antonio Colak and Alfredo Morelos getting 13 and 11, respectively. Beale said: “I don’t remember Kyogo missing a chance (against us). I do remember us having opportunities (against Celtic) that we missed. Over the season, he’s probably been the most outstanding player in the league and that will probably be shown at the end..

“They have won two competitions and he has been the outstanding player. He has taken his chances. There is a stat on how we’ve had the most shots and the most shots on target. We’re not a million miles away from Celtic either when it comes to clean sheets.

But a clinical number nine is one the reasons why Celtic have done well this season. He’s obviously an excellent player.”

Beale admits now that he knew the title would be beyond him when he took over as Rangers boss in November. He lost the League Cup Final to Celtic when Kyogo scored a double at Hampden. But he has the chance to salvage something this afternoon by reaching the Scottish Cup Final and denying the Hoops a domestic Treble. Beale says he’s confident that he knows what’s