Brian Laudrup sees 'wounded' Rangers turnaround at work as he names Michael Beale X-factor that Gio failed to inspire
The Dane has taken plenty of positives from the showdown from Beale's dugout debut against Hibs.
Confident Brian Laudrup reckons Rangers are showing signs that they are rapidly improving under Michael Beale after battling back to see off Hibs.
The former Ibrox hero applauded the fight-back against Lee Johnson's side that saw Beale secure his first competitive victory as Rangers boss after a lacklustre first half display. He will look to continue their winning ways and cut the gap on Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic to six points with a win against Aberdeen, before Ange Postecoglou's men face Livingston on Wednesday.
The Dane reckons that Beale has already brought something out of the Rangers players that wasn't show during the final days of Gio van Bronckhorst's tenure, as he claims the "character" is back on the pitch for The Light Blues after the struggles under the Dutchman. However, he reckons that keeping momentum going ahead of the January 2 showdown with Celtic will be vital in restoring belief to the squad,
Writing for the Daily Mail, Laudrup said: "Tonight brings a chance for Michael Beale to put down the first real marker of his short time as Rangers manager. Visits by the Ibrox club to Pittodrie will always be one of Scottish football's marquee fixtures.
"Everyone knows the rivalry. More pertinently, though, this is precisely the kind of tricky away trip in which Rangers all too often failed to deliver during the leadership of Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
"Just three days after Celtic left the north-east with maximum points, it's vital their Old Firm rivals do the same to build some momentum under Beale. And to maintain hope of at least being able to give Ange Postecoglou's champions something to think about in their title defence.
"Beale's debut at home against Hibernian was a step forward. It wasn't perfect, in fact some of the defending during the first half was shocking.
"But there was enough in the character of the comeback and the greater energy within the performance to make it a positive start for the Englishman. Both of those traits appeared lacking at points during the latter part of Van Bronckhorst's reign. Rangers are still a wounded squad.
"You could see it during moments of last week's game. With some big players now returning from injury, though, winning at Pittodrie would be the strongest evidence yet of confidence and effectiveness healing under Beale's guidance."
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