Michael Beale in Celtic 'higher level' admission but makes Rangers 'hell for leather' derby demand

Michael Beale admits Celtic are playing at a 'higher level' than Rangers but says his side will go 'hell for leather' in the Old Firm derby.

The rivals lock horns at Ibrox on Monday as they look to kick off 2023 in the perfect fashion. The Light Blues have won four games on the trot under their new boss but have been unable to make a dent in the Hoops' nine point advantage at the top with Ange Postecoglou's men showing relentless form. They picked up a 4-0 win over Hibs at Easter Road last night while Rangers defeated Motherwell 3-0 in Govan.

Celtic have won 18 and lost just one of their 19 outings to date. A win for the league leaders would move them 12 points clear while all three points for the home side would bring that gap down to six. Beale believes his side should go into the showdown full of confidence after their recent run of results as he challenged his side to go come out of the traps as fast as possible against the champions.

READ NEXT: Michael Beale given Celtic derby decisions to make as Rangers defeat Motherwell - 3 things we learned

Speaking to the BBC, the Rangers boss said: "I think at this moment time they're playing at a higher level than us and everybody can see that.

"They're in a good rhythm. This time last year we were six points in front of them so things can turn around with time, with good recruitment, with good training and with a feelgood factor around the club.

"That's the aim. We need to go back to where we were and quickly but while we're in that process, we need to keep winning games.

"The derby is a great leveller. They'll come here to our fans who will be very buoyant.

"We're coming off four straight wins so we should go into the game with confidence and we need to go hell for leather from the first minute."

READ NEXT:

- Michael Beale addresses Alfredo Morelos injury scare ahead of Celtic Old Firm derby at Ibrox

- Rangers player ratings v Motherwell as Barisic shines on return and Tillman continues to impress

- Michael Beale given Celtic derby decisions to make as Rangers defeat Motherwell - 3 things we learned

- Barry Ferguson on why Rangers need to keep Steven Davis as veteran handed 'top quality' tag

- Michael Beale tips Steven Davis as future Rangers manager as he opens up on plan for Ibrox star