Rangers goalkeeping coach Colin Stewart has praised Michael Beale for his "passion" for football.

The former QPR boss was recently announced as the 18th manager in the Ibrox side's history and returns to the Light Blues, having previously served as the first team coach under Steven Gerrard.

Stewart worked under that regime and remained in post when Giovanni van Bronckhorst arrived despite the plethora of coaches that arrived as part of the Dutchman's team. 

And the 42-year-old had nothing but good things to say about his new manager.

Speaking to Rangers TV, he said: "I think having familiar faces as part of the staff and the previous working relationship with the players will help Mick bed in.

"It has been an enjoyable first week, and we are just hoping to hit the ground running.

"Mick moved up early on [during his first spell at the club] with his family and we grew close at that point.

"Obviously when you are successful, you tend to develop friendships and I have kept in touch with him over the last while.

"We have kept in touch from afar and I am delighted to see him back.

"You can see his passion for football and what he wants the players to do."

The pair were part of a coaching staff which delivered title number 55 for the Ibrox side, the culmination of three years worth of hard work for Gerrard and his players.

An important part of that success was goalkeeper Allan McGregor, who is someone Stewart has worked with closely.

"The three goalkeepers here were all present the last time Mick was here and they have shown, whether it is Allan McGregor down to Robbie McCrorie, that they are adaptable to the situation," he continued.

"They all know what Mick wants and in the last week, they have bought into the ideas.

"They are great to work with and we have three goalkeepers who are ready to go.

"We also have young ones supporting them, with young Kieran [Wright] and Robbie pushing Allan and Jon.

"We have a good group and it really excites me where these goalkeepers can go."


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