Rangers boss Michael Beale has opened up on discussions with Steven Naismith about on-loan midfielder Alex Lowry.

The 20-year-old is on the books of the Edinburgh club until the end of the season and recently scored his first goal to book a place for Naismith's side in the semi-final of the League Cup.

And Beale is happy with the player's progress. He said: " I spoke to Steven Naismith at length before he went out to make sure it was right for all parties.

"It was a chance for him to go and play in the league at a big club and showcase what he can do. I thought he started well but I have not followed or asked why he has not played as much of late I think they are fighting for a bit of form with their schedule around Europe.

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"I went last week to the St Mirren game and he did not get on, but obviously, he got on [in the League Cup] in the last minute and scored straight away, so he is learning what it is like to fight for a shirt and he is learning what it is like to be outside the confines of Rangers, which is important for him growing up as a young man and young football player.

"In moments he has shown that he has real good promise and in other moments he has shown that he needs to improve, learn and fight for a shirt.

"All of that is brilliant for Alex Lowry.