Michael Beale has admitted injury has ruled Malik Tillman out against Livingston.

The Rangers midfielder dropped out of the matchday squad after a calf and hamstring issue during the week.

It leaves Beale without Tillman, Ryan Jack and John Lundstram for the trip to take on Livingston.

The Ibrox boss saluted the "freshness" in the Rangers midfield but insists it's enforced with the key trio ruled out and unable to make the squad.

He told BBC Sportsound: "Listen, it's much needed I think because we have got injuries and you can see - no Malik Tillman, no Ryan Jack, no John Lundstram. 

"So in the midfield it's a freshness about it, it looks like it's a view to the future but it's actually must needs, that's what we've got.

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"We've got a couple of young ones on the bench, but it's a strong 11 but we'll need them to play well today."

The omissions raise questions over whether any of the absentees could feature against Celtic in the Viaplay Cup final next week.

Beale is hopeful that the players will benefit from a free weekend and recover for next week - but insisted there is no guarantee they'll be available at Hampden.

He added: "Tillman had a slight problem with his calf and his hamstring, so add that to John Lundstram's ankle and Ryan Jack having a problem with his calf it's not ideal with the schedule we've got right now, but we couldn't use them today.

"Hopefully the weekend off helps them be available for next week but that's by no means certain at this moment in time."