Michael Beale wants to see Rangers become more ruthless in front of goal

Michael Beale wants Rangers “to be a bit more ruthless” when they begin their cinch Premiership campaign against Kilmarnock next month.

The Light Blues beat Hamburg 2-1 in a friendly at Ibrox on Saturday where first-half goals from Fashion Sakala and captain James Tavernier, from the penalty spot, was countered only by a terrific last-minute free-kick from Hamburg substitute Jean-Luc Dompe.

The Gers boss was largely pleased with the performance and happy to see forwards Kemar Roofe and Tom Lawrence return from lengthy spells out through injury and new signing Cyriel Dessers make his debut as a substitute, but Beale noticed familiar flaws in front of goal.

Ahead of the visit of Olympiacos in another friendly on Wednesday night, Beale told Rangers’ official Twitter account: “It was another step in the right direction. I’m really pleased. There were some good moments in the game.

“(Goalkeeper) Jack (Butland) has not had much to do. I was disappointed in the goal at the end, it was a great strike from the lad but maybe a sloppy free-kick to give away.

“Certainly we could have scored a lot more goals, we had some big chances.

“That was the story of last season and hopefully at the end of pre-season we are not talking about that going into the league.

“I want us to be a bit more ruthless.

“But some of our play was good and all in all it was a very positive day, no injuries, everyone has played minutes and the competition for places is where we want it to be.”

After playing against Newcastle in last Tuesday night’s testimonial game for former goalkeeper Allan McGregor at a packed out Ibrox, Kieran Dowell, signed from Norwich, was again impressed by the crowd of over 46,000 for a friendly.

The midfielder said: “It was unbelievable. My family came up and my girlfriend and they were blown away by the support.

“It’s only friendly games and the lads in the dressing room were saying there is so much more to come from the fans, which is hard to believe but I’m really looking forward to it.

“I knew a few of the lads when I came here initially and they have been really welcoming.

“Obviously going to Germany with the lads (for pre-season training) and spending time with them helps. I feel I have been here a lot longer than I have.

“It was a good work out, more minutes in the legs and you can’t beat match fitness, that’s a positive and it was a good result as well.”