BEALE CAN GO HIGHER IF NEW BOYS GET OFF TO A FLIER

Eck says Gers gaffer must hit ground running as Hoops get used to a new boss next season

- GORDON PARKS

ALEX MCLEISH believes Rangers boss Michael Beale can steal a march on Celtic as they get to grips with life after Ange Postecoglou.

The former Ibrox gaffer is adamant his old side must capitalise on the window of opportunity that has arisen as their Old Firm rivals attempt to regroup from the Treble-winning Aussie's departure to Tottenham last week.

A host of possible recruits for Rangers' summer rebuild include Nottingham Forest defender Jonathan Panzo, with Atalanta's Sam Lammers and Cremonese forward Cyriel Dessers also in the frame for moves to Govan.

Former England keeper Jack Butland is already on the books along with Kieran Dowell from Norwich as well as former Chelsea defender Dujon Sterling to bolster the ranks for next season.

But McLeish insists Beale must ensure Rangers are ready to burst out of the blocks for the campaign and make the most of the upheaval in the dugout across the city.

He said: "If I'm looking at it from Michael's perspective, which I am because I'm a Rangers man, then you have to get off to a flier.

"There will be a little bit of change at Celtic with a new manager coming in.

"He'll probably try to say, 'Don't fix it because it's not broken'. But can they come in and have the same qualities that Postecoglou showed in the last couple of years?

"That's the key and that's why it's massively important for Rangers to get off to a flier.

"That's going to be difficult but at the same time, there is now a wee window with the fact Postecoglou has left Celtic.