Michael Beale senses Rangers mentality shift in Abdallah Sima as he addresses forward line reality

Rangers have taken plenty of stick in the last week or so.

In fact, it has been flying their way almost since that opening-day defeat at Kilmarnock so they are due a bit of credit for the manner in which they reached the Viaplay Cup semis on Wednesday night. With an injury list stretching the length of Edmiston Drive, to beat Livingston 4-0, and with a little bit of swagger at times, is worthy of a pat on the back while recognising Michael Beale’s team are still miles off where they need to be if they are to end Celtic’s domestic dominance.

Beale, normally a pretty amiable individual, was a little bit spiky after the victory. Clearly, the flak has got under his skin. Yet, he was the one who agreed that the performance against Motherwell on Sunday fell way short of the standards expected of the Ibrox support.

But there are no pictures on a scorecard. Rangers won that game and since the international break have reeled off four straight victories without the concession of a goal.

That has been achieved without Todd Cantwell, Tom Lawrence, Nico Raskin, Danilo and Rabbi Matondo, all of whom won’t be back until the three games that remain before the next international break are negotiated. So, taking that into account, Beale’s belief that his side deserve to be cut a bit of slack has merit.

He is also of the opinion that the raft of new players, particularly at the top end of the pitch, are beginning to find their feet as they get to grips with a system that those he let go in the summer knew like the back of their hands. In the wake of the Livi match, the manager praised Abdallah Sima –now with four goals to his credit – and Sam Lammers, who is clearly a skilful footballer but still looks panic-stricken in front of goal.

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