Michael Beale in Rangers 'chopping block' stance if targets aren't hit

The Englishman heads into the Premiership clash with Livingston this weekend aiming to continue a lengthy unbeaten run that was extended with victory over Partick Thistle last weekend.

The Livingston fixture comes a week before Beale's side return to Hampden for the Viaplay Cup final with Celtic and the Scottish Cup holders also have a last-eight meeting against Raith Rovers on the agenda as they look to defend the trophy this term.

Beale faces a significant rebuild of the Ibrox during the summer transfer window but is now more confident that out-of-contract stars Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos will put pen-to-paper on deals to extend their respective stays in Glasgow.

But he is fully aware of how events in the coming months will shape perceptions of the squad and what impact more medals could have on the futures of so many members of his squad as he seeks to add strength and depth ahead of his first full term at the helm.

Beale said: "I think for everybody, not just Morelos and Kent. I think for everybody.

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"Between now and the end of the season, if we’re successful the rebuild’s not as big as what people said it was.

"If we’re not successful then I think everybody’s on the chopping block, even myself – in that sense of we’re at a club where the expectations are very big.

"If you’re part of our squad at the moment and we end this season not so well, y’know, it might be time to change one or two.

"If we obviously do well, it keeps people away from the door and people believe in the route we’re going.

“I believe in this group or I wouldn’t have come back. People can say whatever they like.

"But it’s a lovely place to be, the Championship, with no expectation. I prefer being here but I know some people who would like that comfort and not have come back here to face the scrutiny I face every week.”