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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
Sport
Alan Galindo

Alfredo Morelos Hearts vs Rangers celebrations earn Michael Beale defence after Neil McCann blast

Michael Beale has delivered a passionate defence of Alfredo Morelos' Tynecastle celebrations as he roared: 'We may as well stop the game'

His address in his pre-match press conference ahead of facing Ross County this weekend comes after the Rangers striker was blasted live on air by pundit Neil McCann over his actions in the capital last night after netting for the visitors. He performed his traditional knee slide in front of the home support - a move not liked by the BBC man.

But his Ibrox gaffer has come out and defended his actions as he revealed he wants his players celebrating when they score and points out that people would say he is 'moody' and 'wants away' if he didn't celebrate his goals. The Colombian netted twice in the 3-0 win over the Jambos with Malik Tillman the other Rangers star on target in the capital. Speaking to the media on the back of last night's win over Hearts and in the build-up to the clash with Ross County at Ibrox this weekend, he said: "If we are going to say players can't celebrate goals now we may as well stop the game. A lot is made of these things in Scotland that doesn't tend to happen down south.

READ MORE: The Celtic key trait that stands them apart from Rangers and everybody else claims Michael Stewart

"You have to celebrate a goal, if he doesn't people would say he is moody and wants away. I want our players to celebrate, I want our players to play with passion.

"He [Morelos] was about twenty yards away from the pitch. We should probably be talking about the abuse that comes the other way for players rather than celebrating.

"Two at Kilmarnock and two at Hearts. I am over the moon with Alfredo at the moment."

The Ibrox gaffer also labelled Fashion Sakala as 'essential' to his side as he provided an update on Nicolas Raskin's work permit situation. The January signing arrived on deadline day and watched on from Tynecastle as his new side romped to victory. Fellow newbie Todd Cantwell came off the bench for his second appearance after his home debut last week.

Beale added: "The game against Ross County is our focus now .Last night was really pleasing. It was our most complete performance at a really difficult away ground.

"I'm really happy with the two boys we got in, plus the injured boys returning. It's really pleasing, but we have another game on Saturday.

"We are still waiting on a work permit for Raskin. He was at the game last night watching.

"Todd (Cantwell) was excellent when he arrived into the game, but the team that started was excellent. Ryan Kent was so important to the structure of our team last night.

"I do like the five subs, it gives me lots of options. You can also mess a game up if you are not careful.It is important you feed the squad and create competition for places. The level we have at training goes up and that happens in matches also."

READ NEXT:

- Rangers January transfers assessed by Barry Ferguson as he makes summer Michael Beale claim

- James McFadden in Rangers 'wanted more' transfer claim as he reveals what Nicolas Raskin will bring

- Rangers players rated vs Hearts as Michael Beale's men totally dominant at Tynecastle

- Hearts 0 Rangers 3 as visitors make it lucky No13, Alfredo Morelos shows up - 3 things we learned

- Nicolas Raskin in Celtic derby admission as Rangers signing reveals Europa League final 'excitement'

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