MICHAEL BEALE insists the defeat to Aberdeen must act as a 'warning sign' to Rangers ahead of their crack at the Premiership title next term.
The Ibrox boss suffered the third loss of his reign as goals from Liam Scales and Bojan Miovski extended the Dons' impressive run under Barry Robson.
Beale saw his side win at Pittodrie, Tynecastle and Easter Road during the first weeks of his tenure but the Old Firm defeat at Parkhead ended their title ambitions.
And this shock performance and result will act as a longer term reminder for the Light Blues as Beale bids to build a team capable of landing the silverware in the top flight.
Beale said: "I think it’s the reality of Scottish football for some of these players. Aberdeen look like they are back to their old selves under Derek.
"They are quite front foot, quite aggressive in the way they play. You could see what it meant to them at the end, but that’s fine.
"It’s a rivalry and you could see what it meant to them to get the win.
"And I think it’s a warning sign to us going into next year. We have gone away from home and blown quite a few teams away.
"But next year this sort of result will be hugely damaging to us. It’s an eye opener for one or two players and the lesson for the team is that when you get the chances we had today you have to take them.
"In any game of football against any opponent, but certainly here. Next week will just take care of itself. It’s a huge game, it’s a derby.
"Our team will be different by one or two players as well. But it’s a completely different way the game will be played."
This was another sore afternoon for the Englishman on the eve of the Scottish Cup semi-final that is the last chance for Rangers to salvage their season.
Connor Goldson and Ryan Kent are in contention to return to action at Hampden and Beale said: "Scott Wright trained yesterday. Raskin passed a fitness test on his ankle to play.
"You’re hoping one or two will be back. I will know more by later in the week."
