Rangers fans can stop early Willie Collum blame game as Celtic don't need kick and push tactic - Hotline

The ball has yet to start rolling on the Old Firm's Scottish Cup semi-final but already Rangers boss Michael Beale is a man under fire.

There were a few defenders of the Light Blues boss but some callers believe his card will be marked if he fails to get one over Ange Postecoglou and Celtic. Willie Mercer, Dumfries, said: "I don't understand those who are saying Beale should go if Rangers lose the semi-final. He is the manager of the team, but it is not yet his squad. Everyone knows the state we were in when he took over and the poor quality and depleted squad he inherited and the league was already over. Postecoglou has been in charge for nearly two full seasons now and has had four transfer windows to shape his team and implement his playing style. Beale has been in charge for only five months and had the benefit of only one transfer window. Surely the time to judge him is during the course of next season when the squad will be his."

Eddie Easson Ballingry, said: "Get the back pages ready for Monday. Beale the spiel will have all the excuses ready. It's very doubtful you will hear the words. 'we were beaten by the better team. Celtic haven’t been anywhere near their best in recent derby games so heaven help Rangers if they are at their best." Paddy Gowans emailed: "Beale the spiel says he's got his summer signings lined up but the players he's interested in are hardly household names just like Todd Cantwell. Next season it will be business as usual for Celtic as I have no fears."

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Robert Livingstone, Palm Beach, said: "It's already the last chance saloon for Beale and his inconsistent Rangers side