Ally McCoist insists the pressure is off Michael Beale for the first Old Firm derby of the season.
That is because the Ibrox legend believes the new Rangers manager will not be judged on how he fares against Ange Postecoglou's rampant Celtic side in January. The Light Blues produced a second-half comeback that ensured the gap on their rivals was cut to six points before the Hoops travel to Aberdeen on Saturday.
Beale was facing a debut defeat as boss when Hibs shocked the Gers in the first half, but goals from Ryan Jack and Alfredo Morelos sealed the three points and McCoist says the pressure-cooker of a clash with Celtic won't 'surprise' the Englishman. But the pundit did hand Beale a surprising reprieve from the final result, saying he won't be judged on the potentially crucial derby encounter.
He told Grosvenor Sport: "You're just as well diving off the top rope than you are working your way up I think. The one thing that won't surprise Michael Beale is that type of fixture.
"I don't have a problem at all with that being one of his first matches [in charge of Rangers]. He won't be judged on that result, and nor should he be but you would have to say that the importance of it is absolutely imperative."
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