The three Rangers players likely to benefit from Bealeball

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It could be some time yet before Michael Beale is able to put his ‘best’ team on the pitch ahead of knowing who will benefit the most under the new management regime at Ibrox, with a few obstacles to overcome.

Firstly, he has a lengthy injury list to contend with, which is a problem in itself that needs to be rectified. It went a long way to impacting the fate of Giovanni van Bronckhorst which is a matter that won’t be lost on Beale.

The compressed European campaign as well as other fixtures prior to the World Cup break added to the demands in what was a hectic start to the season. In the weeks and months ahead, a healthy, regular domestic schedule will unfold in the second half of the season without the significant demands of the Europa League knockout rounds for the first time in four seasons.

As well as not being able to run the rule over the injured players at present, Beale is conducting a process of assessment of the current squad, including those players he previously worked with and knows so well. The summer arrivals to the squad will be new to the renowned coach in a period of getting to know each other. Beyond that, there is the actual outcome of Beale’s leadership on the pitch. Improvement and progress is essential but we don’t know yet what the end product will be then there is the January transfer window in which the club need to enact smart business to improve the quality of the first team.

There is no doubt that Van Bronckhorst was not getting the best from the dressing room, it was very apparent. As well as the new boss bounce, Beale can work his magic to restore a higher level to the team, both individually and collectively.

Keen to make an immediate impact, he recently stated his mission to turn around the Ibrox club's fortunes: “I think it’s got to be on the front foot. We want to play like the big team, be exciting to watch.

“I think the first thing, it has to be exciting to play in on a daily basis…We’ve got to take the ball and we’ve got to attack. I’d like to see us run forward a little bit more off the ball and play a little bit closer together. I’m really excited to work with this group and I think the squad is really strong. I think we will see a little variety.”

All of that and more will go a long way to restoring Rangers to the stature of the recent past, but who of the current crop can truly excel under the man from Bromley?

Connor Goldson

With Beale’s visit back to Ibrox in October to witness the victory over Aberdeen, he was pictured in the Director’s Box speaking to Goldson. The former Brighton player has been a mainstay and a pillar of the Rangers team from the outset of the Steven Gerrard era, with the manager seeing every step along the way, and ever since. Having signed a long-term contract in the summer, Goldson can grow further under Beale. There is mutual respect and admiration there, just as both are conducive to the plans and output of the other.

A rare injury lay-off for the central defender will have allowed him to step back and assess his personal situation. He will be eager to get going again, to lead by example and show the consistency and quality that he possesses with the full trust of the new manager.

Ryan Kent

The enigmatic winger has cut a very forlorn figure in recent times. Out of sorts, down on confidence and generally, looking like a shadow of the devastating player of glories past. To Kent’s credit, even though he has been off form, he has still registered a few assists. Like many others, the Champions League campaign passed him by when there was a massive opportunity to be seized, as well as a shop window to occupy. Recent soundings indicate that Beale wants Kent to stay but whether he stays or goes, he will need to show a lot more in his application on the pitch.

The manager can work with Kent to unlock his best. He starred previously in a more narrow role and most of us would expect at least some variation in the role that the former Liverpool man will be tasked with. His best work often comes on the edge of the box or when cutting inside from the left, rather than with chalk on his boots as was requested by Van Bronckhorst. The long-standing relationship between Beale and Kent should make for an upturn from a very talented but frustrating figure.

(Image: NQ)

Alex Lowry

This may have come as something of a surprise but it appears this is a crucial time for the mercurial talent, Lowry. The Auchenhowie product has certainly dipped his toes in the first-team environment but he is yet to truly graduate from the youth setup with a sustained breakthrough into the senior team. Lowry must learn from the unfulfilled potential story that was the manager’s playing days and a catalyst for getting to the top of the game as a coach.

He has already made an impression on the training pitch in recent days and that must transcend into real, competitive action. He may be just 19 but the time is now to make an impact.

Michael Beale will provide an opportunity for the prodigious hope, to which Lowry must embrace. Fortune favours the brave.

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