Michael Beale believes it is a pivotal week in Rangers' season as they get set for TWO big games.
The Light Blues are first in action this midweek as they face a trip to the capital to face in-form Hibs. The Ibrox men go into the clash off the back of a win over Kilmarnock after putting their League Cup Final disappointment against rivals Celtic behind them. Following the game at Easter Road, the Scottish Cup takes centre stage with the holders determined to book a return to Hampden and move one step closer to retaining the famous old trophy when they take on Raith Rovers at Ibrox.
Rangers are nine points behind Ange Postecoglou and his champions in the race for the Premiership crown with games quickly running out to make up the gap. The Old Firm pair go head to head twice more this season in the league with just 11 matches to go. The Ibrox gaffer has summed up the story of this campaign in one word as he branded it as a 'disappointment'. However, he is optimistic about the future with the talks behind the scenes all positive. He knows at Rangers there is no place to be second best and they must win silverware and the big games.
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Speaking to the media in his pre-match press conference, Beale said: "No fresh injuries after the weekend. We now need to keep moving forward, it is a big week. We have a tough test on Wednesday and then the cup tie at the weekend.
"It's a huge privilege to be the manager of this club, and you have to deal with the pressure that comes with the role. I've been happy in the main with the progress, but yes we do need to improve a lot more.
"I thought we played very well first-half on Saturday.We need to improve and it will be an interesting few months ahead.
"It's a heavy shirt at times, but it is an amazing experience to play for this club. With that shirt comes expectations. The next 13/14 games we have to win as many games as we can and retain the Scottish Cup.
"This is a pivotal week, but every week is always an important one at Rangers. We controlled the game at the weekend but we have to be more ruthless in the final third.
"The story of the season is one of disappointment. In the time I have been here, we have made steady progress but I would like us to improve.
"We should be optimistic about the future, I see where we are going and the talks we are having behind the scenes.
"We need to win things, it is not about being second best at this club. Ultimately that is what I will be judged on."
Antonio Colak was back in from the start and got much needed minutes under his belt and fitness in the legs. All his performance was missing was a goal as he aims to remain in the side going forward.
He said: "It was very important to win after a disappointment.It was important for me to get the 90 minutes. As a team, we showed really good things on the pitch in the first half.
"I want to bring my qualities to the pitch every time. It is always about the team result.
"The gaffer wants us to have good combinations up-front. We can create a lot of chances, this is what the gaffer wants from me to be connected to the game. When you are injured it is always difficult to return, the boys went on a good run during this time.
"I have been working hard, you have to deserve every minute you get. I always want to start every game. The gaffer expects every player to give everything on the pitch, the best version of yourself in every training session - this is also what I demand of myself.
"I think I can get back to scoring goals with my quality. We know we still have to work hard, it is not enough only to have a good first-half - the gaffer demands we perform for 90 minutes.
"I want to be the best version of myself and perform at my best level, I want to run hard and add assists in addition to scoring. You have to be patient and work hard when not involved. The most important thing is I am now fully fit and good to go. Every day in training you have to earn the shirt of Rangers."
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