The stakes are always high when Rangers face off against Celtic - and Michael Beale already knows all too well about being thrust into the firing line amid the derby chaos.
With the Viaplay Cup final looking like a potential turning point in the campaign, the Londoner knows all too well about being stuck in the eye of the storm - having played a key role in Rangers last victory over their Glasgow rivals. Beale had been acting as Steven Gerrard's trusted lieutenant when a Covid crisis rocked the Light Blues' leaving the manager frozen out on derby day.
Beale and Gary McAllister stepped into the vital role at Ibrox with five first-team players and the boss out of action, and managed to navigate choppy waters and secure a narrow 1-0 victory back in August 2021 during Ange Postecoglou's Old Firm showdown. Ahead of the game, McAllister talked up the presence of the assistant during the turbulent time for the club.
He noted that Beale had brought a key consistency needed during the chaotic week - which also saw the Light Blues' navigate a tricky Europa League tie in Armenia against Alashkert. McAllister said: "All the presentations and messaging will remain the same, the manager will still speak to the players and of course we have Michael Beale here along with myself. We are in constant contact with Steven."
After the game, McAllister touted the "coming together of a football club" - and in the face of Celtic holding a nine point lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership and looking to retain the League Cup Beale will need the same again on Sunday. He added: “(It was a coming together) Right from the very top, the chairman, to the people who help us at the training ground and I’ve got to say, the fans were pretty special as well."
With Beale boasting an unbeaten record against Postecoglou in two meetings, he will look to be the calm amid the Hampden cauldron during the blockbuster showdown.
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