Michael Beale has backed keeper Robby McCrorie to make the most of his Old Firm chance after confirming he will start against Celtic at Ibrox.

The Auchenhowie graduate made his first appearance of the campaign in the win over Aberdeen last week as a commanding performance was rewarded with a deserved clean sheet.

McCrorie is bidding to replace Allan McGregor as number one next term and Beale knows the impact the Ibrox legend has had on his potential successor.

"He has had that all his life, really," Beale said when asked about McGregor's influence on McCrorie. "He is 24 or 25 now and has been around Allan for a long long time.

"Allan has always been a good mentor to him in terms of words and also actions out there every day.

"Last week we gave Allan a little rest from the squad. We thought it was nice to give him that breather, but he will be back in the squad."

McCrorie made a handful of impressive stops to keep Barry Robson's side at bay and ensure Rangers got back to winning ways in the aftermath of their Hampden defeat to Celtic.

The final Old Firm fixture of the campaign offers a last chance for many members of Beale's side to taste victory in the derby clash.

READ MORE: Robby McCrorie reveals keeper inspirations and sets Rangers targets

But McCrorie will approach the sixth meeting of the season with his own point to prove as he seeks to catch the eye and prove that he can be promoted to first choice next term.

"Robby will play," Beale, who is still working on completing a deal to sign keeper Jack Butland this summer, said ahead of the Ibrox showdown. "I’ve got faith in him.

"He wasn’t available for the majority of time I’ve been here and he’s got a chance in training and B Team games. It’s now time to give Robby a run of games to showcase what he has.

"I thought it was a really good showing against Aberdeen, it was the first time he’d started a game in a while and he was excellent. He’s played this fixture before so he has the experience and I’ve full faith in him."