Rangers boss Michael Beale hailed Antonio Colak - and says he’s now ready to challenge out-of-contract star Alfredo Morelos as Gers’ main striker.
The Croat was outstanding in the 3-1 win over Kilmarnock at Ibrox, with goals from Connor Goldson, Fashion Sakala and James Tavernier securing three Premiership points. Colak bagged 15 goals in the early part of the season but hasn’t been fully fit since Beale’s arrival as manager. He looked back to his best yesterday after being given the nod over Morelos to lead the line following last week’s Viaplay Cup Final defeat to Celtic at Hampden. Beale was delighted with his contribution and now wants to see more.
He said: “I’ve only had the option of Alfredo since I came back in but Tony is fully fit now. I thought he was our best player today. He linked the play really well and you could see he has been doing some fitness work behind the scenes. That (his performance) is the main thing I’ll take away from the game. I went with Tony because his personality and energy was worth a start.
"I wanted more energy in that position. If that was the boy who was fully fit at the start of the season - then I haven’t seen that until today. I’m delighted for him on a personal level.”
Morelos, who is out of contract in the summer, came on as a late sub and Beale revealed there’s no update on the future of the Colombian or the likes of Ryan Kent who can also speak to other clubs. The Rangers boss says he’s biding his time before revealing what players will still be at Ibrox next season.
When asked if either Morelos or Kent had indicated that they’d like to extend their stays, Beale said: “They’ll have options in the summer. I just want to see where the squad is and where it’s going. You’re going to see a change in the formation and the way the team plays.
“We just need to get to that moment. In terms of those guys, I want them to focus on football. I’ve had personal chats but there’s nothing in front of anyone because we want to see how things move. It doesn’t have to make sense to anyone other than ourselves. I’ve been delighted with Alfredo and Ryan.
“Nobody has given me a problem regardless of their status or where they are contract wise.”
Beale was able to finally get John Souttar back on the pitch yesterday as he came on in stoppage time after a long injury lay-off.
He said: “I’d like to have given John more time. The final was too soon so today was a chance to give him more. But the game didn’t let me. He’s trained well and I’m not the only one impressed by John.
“His teammates and staff like him and it’s now important he stays fit. He was going great guns and suffered swelling and had to slow down but he trains like he plays so it won’t take him long to get up to speed.”
Despite the Ibrox victory, fans group Union Bears had a dig at the club’s board with a banner which read: ‘After 55 titles you took your eye off the ball. Time for change’.
Beale claimed he didn’t see it but once again reiterated his call for unity while he tries to get Rangers back on top. He said: “I didn't see it. We're all together, I'm there supporting the team and I think we should just focus on that. We're a stronger club when we're together. Everybody's opinion is valid but I would rather just focus on supporting the team on the pitch.
"Down the years the fans have seen some really top players do well and they're eager for success. We're a stronger team when they're fully behind us but sometimes we don't reach the levels they want us to, there will be moans and groans.
"It's important that the players focus and continue to improve all the time. I thought first half the fans were very happy with the team, so there's a little bit of a message in that for them as well."
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