There is definitely a little bit of ease on Michael Beale and Rangers today, an-ultimately convincing 4-0 v Livi has cut him a fraction of slack as Rangers make the semi-finals of the Viaplay Cup, but what really is the state of play now?

In truth, there’s no change – you are expected to win at Rangers – it’s not doing so that earns criticism, not that doing so earns lavish praise.

Of course, we are much happier seeing 4-0 but it was far from convincing in large swathes. After a high-octane opening 20 minutes in which players crushed it, it faded aggressively and until Ridvan’s stunning second, Rangers were awful, truly awful.

The late flurry of goals absolutely flattered the hosts, who might have had all the ball but until Ridvan did his Diego, very few shots, and even less on target. It was extremely poor stuff and took an individual moment of magic to turn the tide properly in Rangers’ favour.

Reacting with hysteria at the result is over the top, while many would argue the calls for Beale to go are the same.

End of the day, he did what he was supposed to, got Rangers into the semi-final of the League Cup by way of a completely invalid opening goal!

We’ll take it, every day of the week, but it was 100% not a goal, even if Sima’s finish was absolutely outstanding.

So where does this leave us?

Well, let’s see how the big one v the Dons goes on Saturday. Barry Robson’s side are diabolical but you know they’ll be 100% up for this one, and will give it what they have.

If we win this one then honestly, it’s hard to argue with the turnaround since Celtic. It’s four wins in a row, four clean sheets. We work with facts on Ibrox Noise, and as horrid as some (most) of the play is, it’s all about winning.

If we do so again on Saturday, Michael Beale can breathe just a little bit easier. 5 wins in a row, and potentially another clean sheet, and it would hard to make a case against that, whatever we think of the overall picture under him.

So…. we shall see…