Michael Beale has been told in no uncertain terms it is an 'imperative' to win the Scottish Cup.
That is the view of former Rangers boss Alex McLeish who claims nothing but a win against Celtic at Hampden in the semi-final and a subsequent victory over Iverness or Falkirk will do for the new Ibrox gaffer. Beale tasted defeat in his first cup final outing at the national stadium last month when Ange Postecoglou's men reigned supreme in the Viaplay Cup.
Rangers are the holders of the trophy and go in to the semi-final clash unbeaten in league action since the Englishman's arrival. But for big Eck his advice is clear to Beale that it would be an immeasurable boost to stop Celtic from a potential domestic treble.
READ MORE: Rangers 'all to play for' title scenario laid out but Michael Beale warned Celtic too good to lose
He said: "That’s what we have got left and it’s imperative. I know a few of my pals over the last few years have said they don’t bother with the cups, they just want to win the league.
"I get that, but this Scottish Cup is helluva important. They always have been in my eyes. It would be a real boost for the club if Michael can go on and lift it.
"The league is going to be very difficult at this stage of the season, given the points deficit. It kind of reminded me of my own time at the club. When I first took over the league was pretty much gone.
“We had a couple of cups to win and we managed to do that. For this group of players there is a huge game ahead in the Scottish Cup.”
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