It's not even Christmas Day but Michael Beale reckons he's already received the "nicest surprise" in Adam Devine's Rangers emergence.

The Ibrox youngster has filled in at left-back under Beale with Ridvan Yilmaz and Borna Barisic unavailable.

Devine, a right-back by trade, has started in all three wins under the new manager since domestic action returned after the World Cup break.

And he's received a glowing report from Beale who insisted he is "absolutely delighted" with the performances from the 19-year-old.

“He is sort of playing out of position but sometimes when you are a young boy you get an opportunity, and you have to take it," Beale told BBC Sportsound.

“I think he is doing fantastically well; first half in an attacking sense and second half in a defensive sense.

“He’s gone away to Pittodrie, he’s come here this evening and I am absolutely delighted with Adam.

“He has been the nicest surprise since I have come back here.”

READ MORE: Reason for Allan McGregor Rangers absence explained

Speaking to Sky, Beale warned Devine could improve his performance levels but 25 percent when he's playing in his natural position at right-back as he warned James Tavernier's position could even come under threat.

“It’s early days for Adam but I don't think he’s looked phased.

"Tonight, in an attacking sense, in the first half he got into really good areas but the young boy on the wing for them caused him one or two issues as well.

"I got into him a bit at half-time and I thought he had a really strong second half.

“You’ve got to remember, he’s playing on the wrong side as well. I think he’ll jump up another 20-25 percent if he’s at right back. So maybe our captain needs to look over his shoulder!”

Beale hasn't had his injury troubles to seek since taking the Rangers job with up to 11 players still unavailable.

Among them is veteran midfielder Steven Davis who was sidelined after an awkward landing during a training session.

Beale offered a minor update on Davis' condition as he revealed the club will wait for swelling to ease before the player has a scan on the injury.

He said: “It was a training ground incident where he landed a little bit awkwardly. We have to let the swelling go down and then he’ll go away to have a scan.

"Obviously, at this time of year, those things are quite difficult to get. As soon as we’ve got some news on that we’ll report back.”

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