Our team tackle your big questions after Old Firm defeat in the Scottish Cup.

What was Beale's tactical plan as yesterday it again appeared to just be hopeful crosses and aimless long punts forward? 

Generally, the tactical plan did work yesterday but the issue was once again execution.

You can split Beale’s approach against Celtic into two categories; a narrow 4-3-3 in the first two games and a more aggressive 4-4-2 in the most recent two games. Both of which have been even encounters, decided by the team with a more clinical edge.

Lets deal with the off-ball approach first.

As discussed in greater detail here, Beale seems to have learned from the first two Old Firms he managed that to stop this Celtic team, you have to be aggressive. His side weren’t pressing every ball but their approach did generally prevent Ange Postecoglou’s men from finding a groove.

Again, Malik Tillman and Alfredo Morelos blocked passes into Callum McGregor to try and force Celtic long or down the sides. Before the American went off injured, this led to some promising regains in interesting areas. End product, as throughout the game, was lacking when Rangers launched attacks into space.

Beale’s side did appear slightly too reliant on long balls from the back. However, that was largely owing to two key facts. Without Ryan Jack the Ibrox side seemed more reticent to build up down the right and therefore, their constant play down the left became slightly predictable. Secondly, Celtic’s press does leave gaps to exploit in the middle but on the flip side, it can force distribution to be rushed, especially when you don’t have a goalkeeper comfortable inviting pressure on the ball.

Here's an example of build-up through the thirds working well.

The ball is played right as Rangers try to bait the four-man press and then find Borna Barisic, situated deep on the left.

As the ball reaches Barisic, Raskin runs down Jota’s blindside, picks the ball up and exchanges a one-two with Ryan Kent before driving forward.

READ MORE: Rangers' futures have been decided by Celtic defeat - Joshua Barrie

That passage of play wasn’t repeated often and instead Rangers depended on isolating Morelos against Cameron Carter-Vickers with long balls, with the centre-back coming out on top more often than not.

In terms of crosses, ideas clearly ran out in the end. Still, on and off the ball the approach offered enough opportunity, but Rangers required players to step up and capitalise.

Joshua Barrie

How do you expect Beale to approach the final five matches of the season with team selection?

I think we may see likes of Robby McCrorie, Ridvan Yilmaz, John Souttar, Ianis Hagi, Rabbi Matondo, Alex Lowry and maybe one or two more like Leon King and Adam Devine.

But Beale still has to win those games, he has to get the balance right and although it’s very easy to say ‘It doesn’t matter, chuck in the kids’ we all know what the reaction will be if wins aren't recorded before the end of the season.

Getting that balance right is key. However, everyone wants this summer to come as quickly as possible.

Stevie Clifford

Thoughts on Davies and Lundstrum’s futures after yesterday? Thought both were very good.

Ben Davies enjoyed one of his better games throughout and Kyogo was quiet as a result. It feels as though the summer arrival’s story has been set by many and mere association with bad results in a Rangers shirt makes it difficult to showcase yourself as the future.

He’s a player who retains value in the market but in all honesty, we don’t know what Beale wants to do in that position. He’s been managing the season up until now and Davies offered a continuity option next to Goldson yesterday, alongside a more dependable option in the build-up.

John Lundstram was also improved from recent outings in this fixture, even if as alluded to above he lacks the ability to build up under pressure like Raskin.

Practically, some of those around now will be around next season. Beale’s task is to judge who has reached the end of the road at Ibrox and who can be a success with new energy around them.

Joshua Barrie

If Kent and Morelos are leaving, would you still play them for the rest of the season, if not who would be your front 3?

No is my answer but Michael Beale still has games to win. With Ryan Kent, it’s a bit easier because he isn’t contributing enough to suggest he would be a massive miss and there are other options like Rabbi Matondo, which also gives the manager an opportunity to see if the Welshman can play a part moving forward.

Up top? Antonio Colak and Kemar Roofe are both injured, so there is no natural replacement for Morelos. Throwing Zak Lovelace in is easier said than done. A complete failure in the last five games won’t mean much tangibly but it would increase pressure on Beale. It’s not as easy to just play the youngsters and see what happens.

Stevie Clifford

Who do we keep? Goldson, Raskin and Cantwell for me?

Post-match was the most blatant Beale has been on not only the topic, but the scale of rebuild required, saying: “This will be the biggest rebuild the club has seen in a number of years.”

Cantwell was Rangers’ best player and clearly, alongside Raskin, is to be built around. Over the course of the season, Malik Tillman’s done enough to warrant a permanent transfer. James Tavernier defended poorly for the goal but over the course, he’s stood up far more than others and Connor Goldson will clearly remain. Thereafter, options are limited. Major change is undoubtedly coming.

Joshua Barrie

What next?

Now? We have to win the last five games because it’s Rangers, it’s a must. That offers an opportunity to look ahead at the players who will be around to contribute next season.

In the summer? A complete rebuild. I envision a huge turnaround, with as many as 12-15 going out the door and perhaps as many as 8-10 coming in. Which is an incredible turnover when you think about it.

The manager has now told us more or less without naming names that for many, their time is up at Rangers. All there is left to do now is look to the future.

Stevie Clifford