Michael Beale wants to relight Rangers fire as he revisits scene of pyro party night that had him believing

As the fireworks flooded the sky, Michael Beale knew it was only a matter of time before Rangers could light the fuse on the mother of all parties.

The Londoner’s last visit to Livingston proved an explosive evening and not just because then Ibrox boss Steven Gerrard managed to get himself sent-off after a furious half-time bust-up with John Beaton. That night back in March 2021 was lit up when the jubilant Gers faithful locked out of the Tony Macaroni Arena due to Covid regulations made sure their team knew they were there supporting outside by setting off a pyrotechnic barrage from the car park.

A late Alfredo Morelos goal sealed a win that moved the Light Blues to within four points of their first league crown in a decade. But as the rockets erupted high into the blackness above, it was only then that Beale for the first time allowed himself to believe that champagne corks would also soon be popping. In fact, Beale - then Gerrard’s assistant - and the Rangers support only had to wait another four days before 55 was confirmed as a Gers win over St Mirren was followed by Celtic dropping points at Tannadice.

But as he prepares to return to Livingston to face Davie Martindale’s side, the new Light Blues boss opened up on his conviction that Rangers can one day soon look forward to the day when sparks will fly again. Looking back, Beale said: “That was the night our manager got sent off and our crazy Colombian centre-forward scored late on!

“I have to tell you, I thought that was the moment we’d won the league. I know at the time we were a number of points in front, but that was the night I thought: ‘OK’. That obviously came true with the home game against St Mirren. I’ve had some difficult days there, too. I find