Rangers hero Kenny Miller reckons Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou highly respects the Light Blues ahead of the Old Firm derby next week - whilst also stating that Michael Beale has brought a 'feel-good factor' to Ibrox since his appointment.
Miller, who is one of the very few to have played for both Rangers and Celtic in his career, was called upon to preview Monday's game which could make or break the season for the home side. Lying nine points behind their bitter rivals in the race to reclaim the Scottish Premiership title, Beale knows that his side must take all three points on their own turf if they are to become contenders for silverware.
But Miller, who endured seven years at Rangers over three separate spells, has praised Beale for ending the negative feel at Ibrox under Giovanni van Bronckhorst - whilst also alluding that Postecoglou respects the club ahead of the much-anticipated clash.
"There needs to be respect shown towards Rangers and, having listened to Ange Postecoglou, I have no doubt he'll show every team the utmost respect but he'll be going into every single game with the belief that his team can win," Miller told Grosvenor Sport.
"There's definitely been an uplift since Michael has come back to Ibrox and I know the players will be happy because of the relationship they had with him. It won't be the same Rangers that Celtic faced previously and the one that was dropping points left, right and centre before the World Cup - it'll be a different challenge.
"Even though the Old Firm is at Ibrox, Celtic maybe edge the contest as favourites with the way they're playing and the results that they've got. The game will be in the balance."
He continued: "Michael Beale was the right appointment for Rangers. I'm not sure the names mentioned [Sean Dyche and Chris Wilder] carried any weight.
"I said three months ago that Michael Beale would be the next Rangers manager because I just felt that with the respect that he built up and the reputation he has as a coach, I think it was always going to be the case that Rangers would have had him back because they would've recognised the work that he'd done during the time as Steven Gerrard's assistant.
"There seems to be a different energy about the team and the enjoyment factor is coming back. Alfredo Morelos is scoring goals again and seems re-energised since Michael has returned. Glen Kamara is also back in the team, a player I know he really likes.
"It's been a good start for Beale but I'm sure he'll want to build on it and start to improve the performance levels."
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