Barry Ferguson believes Michael Beale has a 'hell of a player' on his hands at Rangers if he can unlock Malik Tillman's full potential.
The new Rangers boss has already publicly expressed his desire to retain the Bayern Munich loanee beyond his summer loan. The USA international joined at the start for the season with the Light Blues holding an exclusive option to make it a permanent arrangement. Former skipper and club hero Fergie is a massive fan highlighting his great technique, physical presence and ability in the air as key attributes of his game.
The Rangers legend was also impressed by the early signs of Beale's influence in the comfortable friendly win over Bayer Leverkusen at Ibrox and he can't wait to see it put into competitive action against Hibs at Ibrox as the Premiership action resumes following the World Cup shutdown. Ferguson says it is a 'vital' 90 minutes with a marker needing set.
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Writing in his Daily Record column, he said: "I can’t wait to see how they get on against Hibs tomorrow night. I watched some of the new boss’ first game against Leverkusen at the weekend and although you have to take friendlies with a pinch of salt, there were obvious signs Beale’s influence is already working on the team.
"The full backs, James Tavernier and young Adam Devine were pushed much higher than they’d been under Gio van Bronckhorst, while the three attacking players supporting the striker were much closer to Antonio Colak, then Alfredo Morelos. One of them, of course, was Malik Tillman and it was good to see him getting two goals.
"I can fully understand while Beale made an immediate point of expressing his desire to sign the young American on a permanent deal, because he has the potential to be everything you’d want in an attacking midfield player. The ability is there, without doubt. Great technique, physical presence and he’s good in the air as well. Yet there have been times when I’ve looked at him and thought: ‘C’mon, you’ve got more to give.’
"If Michael Beale can unlock Tillman’s full potential, Rangers have got a hell of a player on their hands. I was interested to hear the manager say that fitness levels will have to improve and Tillman is one who seemed to fade out of games after an hour or so. I’m sure there will be a lot of work done on the training ground to try to make him a 90-minute asset.
"And talking of training ground, what a boost it must have been for Beale to see Connor Goldson coming back a lot quicker than he would have anticipated when he returned to Ibrox. I know Goldson has his critics, but he’s one of the cornerstones of the team and it was a massive blow to Gio when he went out injured.
"The big fella is a leader, a real presence and a moaner on the pitch. Sometimes you hear him and wish he’d shut up, but then again, I was exactly the same so I can’t complain about that. Even if the Hibs game comes too early for him, he’ll be back sooner rather than later and that’s brilliant news for everyone at the club.
"The early signs are encouraging. I’ve looked at the training sessions under Beale and his staff that have been posted on the club website and YouTube. There’s a real intensity about it and I’ve always believed that you have to train the way you would play.
"Tomorrow night we’ll find out if that’s the case. It’s a vital 90 minutes, make no mistake. Beale will want to lay down a marker and will be demanding that his team gets right after Hibs from the front whistle."
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