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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Christopher Jack

Michael Beale issues Rangers fan message ahead of Champions League clash at Ibrox

Michael Beale has no doubts the Ibrox crowd will stick with his side as he urged supporters to play their part in delivering a Champions League triumph against Servette.

Rangers head into the third qualifying round clash on the back of their disastrous Premiership defeat to Kilmarnock on Saturday as their title bid got off to the worst possible start.

The result and performance at Rugby Park infuriated a demanding and expectant support but Beale is sure the crowd will be with his side in their first competitive fixture on home soil this season.

Beale said: “We can count on them, we know that. They are as strong as anywhere in the world, we know that on European nights.

“We have seen the stands shaking, we’ve seen the celebrations, we’ve seen it all. We know how important they are.

“At the weekend they showed what they bring to this football club and it’s important the players match that and give them something to stand on their feet, cheering.

“Together that’s hugely strong. It’s a famous place to play football and that’s what makes our club so special.”

Beale saw his new-look side fail to fire at the weekend as Brad Lyons netted the only goal of the game to give Derek McInnes his first win over Rangers as Killie boss.

It was a result that knocked the stuffing out of the support after an encouraging summer of transfer business but the visit of Servette offers Rangers an immediate chance to make amends in the first week of the campaign.

Beale said: “Naturally we’re hugely frustrated and disappointed with the weekend. It wasn’t what any of us wanted.

“But we don’t have time to dwell on it with a really important games on Tuesday night.

“It’s a different competition. We can deal with the league again when we face Livingston.

“But, yeah, there’s a lot of frustration in the air and the game with Servette can’t come around quick enough for the players, staff and the fans as well.

“It’s an important game. We trust the fans will be right behind the team at Ibrox and it’s important we play well on the night.”

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