The Ally McCoist rule that means Rangers MUST keep Michael Beale for now as Celtic 'dip' keeps them in title picture

Lee McCulloch insists that both Rangers AND Celtic are going through form dips as he insisted Michael Beale must remain in post.

There's been grumbling talk on the Londoner's future as Ibrox boss in the wake of a 1-0 derby defeat to Brendan Rodgers' side. A major rebuild has been put into place at Ibrox but inconsistent performances plus a 1-0 defeatt to Kilmarnock and a humbling Champions Legaue play-off exit to PSV have put Beale firmly in the spotlight.

A replica defeat to Killie - only this time in the Viaplay Cup - and 0-0 draw with St Johnstone also put heat on Rodgers before derby joy alleviated the lingering flames. But speaking to PLZ, while believing both will improve, the former Rangers defender also reckons neither side are in their best place right now. McCulloch said: "You can see where the noise is coming from, it is crystal clear.

"But Celtic have not started the way Celtic have been playing, let's put it that way. They have a campaign coming up as well and yes it's four points (of a gap between Celtic and Rangers) just now but that can change. Rangers need to start taking maximum points domestically and go on a good run in Europe. That is what is expected when you are at that club.

"None of them hit the ground running in the league this season, have they? I just think over the course of the season you are going to have dips and maybe Celtic and Rangers are having their dip just now, but one is bigger than the other. They'll both get better.

"There's a long way to go of this season and momentum can swing as quickly in either way. He's got to stay, Michael Beale has got to stay for me. He's worked pre-season. When players come in, signings for the Old Firm, there was a saying back then, I am sure it was