It is well documented that Steven Gerrard was not part of the Rangers group that set off to Yerevan from Glasgow Airport earlier today.
Despite that, footage released by Sky Sports revealed a major positive for the squad and backroom staff.
Initially it was thought that first team coach Michael Beale was an absentee but in fact he is part of the group and set to take on a leadership role in place of the manager for the Europa League 2nd leg Playoff.
🛫Rangers flew out of Glasgow Airport this afternoon for their Europa League tie against Alashkert with a number of players and manager Steven Gerrard missing following a covid outbreak. pic.twitter.com/1xwr1fee33
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) August 25, 2021
Beale is known as Gerrard’s right hand man and the tactician who often takes a view of the pitch from high up in the stand to get a better understanding of what is happening on the pitch but tomorrow evening he will be in the thick of it.
He will team up with assistant manager Gary McAllister and Tom Culshaw on the sideline for Rangers as the Scottish champions aim to get the job done to seal the spot in the group stage for the fourth consecutive season.
A phone link to Gerrard will be in place throughout the trip but there is more than enough experience and know-how to support the team in Armenia.