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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Ewan Paton

Michael Beale urges Rangers to be more decisive amid call for 'composure'

Michael Beale has called for his Rangers players to show more "composure" in front of goal.

The Ibrox boss wants his side to be more decisive in order to put teams away, particularly on home turf.

Reviewing the 2-1 win over Servette, the Englishman highlighted that he's pointed out the importance of putting games to bed throughout his time as Gers boss.

The Light Blues missed a glut of chances tonight as they defeated the Swiss side in the first leg of their Champions League third-round qualifier. Sam Lammers in particular had two big opportunities to increase the scoring.

James Tavernier got the hosts off to a flier from the penalty spot after four minutes. Cyriel Dessers then got his first goal for the club with a tap-in a short while later. 

The Dutchman was unfortunate, but he was responsible for giving away a penalty to Servette prior to the break. VAR concluded the frontman had handled the ball inside his own box, which allowed the visitors the chance to close the gap to just one goal.

Despite David Douline's red card in the second half, Servette remained resolute and are very much still in the tie heading into next week's return leg. 

And Beale has urged his players to show a calmness in front of goal to ensure they get the job over the line.

He told BBC: "I'm confident because we go there with a 1-0 lead but that can be wiped out in seconds as we saw tonight with the penalty. The game can turn on a knife edge. We need to perform with the same energy but before that need to perform well in the league at the weekend.

"They are a dangerous opponent with good players. It's important we take our chances. I believe that chances will come next week and we need to be more decisive. It's something I've said quite a few times as a Rangers manager now but the amount of chances we created today from good play means you're hoping the strikers show a bit more composure from their last shot.

"Other than Sam, Cyriel and Danilo came in late so they are not 100 per cent. They had broken preseason with their moves and little niggles. You could see tonight after an hour they were a little bit leggy but we have other players who are champing at the bit to go.

"Another few days and their legs will be better for it but I have no doubts. Cyriel scored his first goal, Sam will wonder how he didn't score and Danilo was trying a little bit too hard but we know he's a quality player."

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