As a coach himself, former Rangers defender Andy Webster knows what good looks like in the professional environment, and he's certain his old club have found it in appointing Michael Beale.

The Englishman boasts a 100 per cent start to life as Ibrox boss with four wins from his opening four matches despite his own post-match misgivings at the level of performance being delivered.

With Celtic coming to Ibrox on January 2nd, three points are imperative to reignite a previously faltering title challenge with the club trailing their arch-rivals by nine points.

Webster, whose daily work sees him coach the St Mirren Under-18s, is sure the fans should be excited about the future with the new man at the helm.

He told the Rangers Review: “Michael Beale’s a top coach. I’ve seen and read about his work, so his coaching attributes are outstanding and up there with the best.

“He’s been on different journeys to get to where he is now but with him being at the club previously he has an understanding which I think is always important.

“Within a short period of time, he’s been implementing his ideas. I think it’ll be exciting for the Rangers fans to see how things transpire over the coming weeks and months.

“Obviously, there’s the January window coming up and I’m sure he’ll look to recruit. He did say he only wants people in the building who can replace the first team starting 11 which I think will then push the standards.

“I think from Rangers' perspective at this moment in time, nobody outwith the building will expect them to catch Celtic.

“Very rarely, if at all, does the pressure ease off ever so slightly when you’re part of the Old Firm so I think, from that, they’ve got an opportunity to string a run of results together and just pick that momentum up and you never know what can happen. They need to make sure they take care of their own stuff first and foremost.”

Webster arrived back at the club from Wigan in 2007 after a short spell down south but was known to fans for his excellent spell at Hearts where he won international recognition and many plaudits for his solid defending. 

Arriving at Ibrox under Walter Smith, he endured an injury-hit period and he sees parallels with another former Hearts defender, John Souttar, who has had his own troubles to seek with injury since arriving from Tynecastle.

He said: “Nobody likes being injured. It’s probably the worst thing you can face as a footballer when you’re sat on the sidelines or you’re in the gym while the boys are out training or playing matches and you’re not able to contribute.

“John’s situation is probably slightly different than mine in that I probably never really suffered any real long-term injuries up until my time at Rangers whereas he suffered one or two leading up to his move.

“The situations are similar in terms of experiencing that where you’re itching to contribute but you can’t. But he’s a top player so I’m sure when he’s fit and available he will have a massive contribution.”

Rangers Review: (Image: NQ)

READ MORE: Why Leon King's harsh Rangers lessons will make him stronger

One player who has contributed as a result of the raft of injuries that have plagued the Ibrox backline this season is youngster Leon King.

Webster says the 18-year-old’s introduction will only benefit the player and club alike.

“The thing with Leon King is he’s always been a younger person playing in a more experienced body,” he said. “Way back when he was like 14 he was playing Under-20s and reserve team football.

“His level of performance and experience that he’ll have gained from playing Champions League football and rubbing shoulders with the best people will stand him in good stead. He will have relished the opportunity and the great thing about being young is you have no fear which is great for him.

“It’s always nice for players to come through the academy system and establish themselves. Going back to last season the manager trusted him and the start of this season as well so he will now have the confidence as well as the ability and mindset to go and compete not just outside of the centre-backs at Rangers but establish himself which will be great for him. Good luck to him.”