Who could replace Michael Beale before the Europa League clash as a UEFA Pro Licence issue adds to the crisis?

Beale is under increasing pressure after Aberdeen’s defeat left the Light Blues seven points behind Celtic.

After the humiliating loss to Aberdeen, Michael Beale is under increasing pressure, with many Rangers fans pushing for him to be fired immediately.

But the 3-1 defeat to the Dons comes amid a busy schedule for the Ibrox club, which has a Europa League group stage clash with Aris Limassol in midweek before facing in-form St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership before the international break. While Beale will be hoping for the opportunity to lead Rangers on their excursions to Cyprus and Paisley, Ibrox fans appear to have made up their minds.

While the Ibrox board must make a significant decision, there is conjecture that Beale will be awarded the Europa League match because the club would be unable to turn to any other coach who carries a UEFA Pro Licence. To be able to assume charge of teams in European play, a coach must have obtained the Pro Licence, a difficulty Hearts faced when Steven Naismith couldn’t be named Head Coach while they still had European games to contend with.

While the Rangers may continue with Beale, this does not appear to be a role in their choice. If the Londoner departs Govan in the next days, he may take his coaching staff with him, although B team coach David McCallum also holds the Pro Licence.

McCallum oversaw Rangers Women last season but has taken on a new position this season. This season, he is heading the next generation of talent and might provide a temporary first-team answer for the Glasgow giants.

He previously took over as manager after Steven Gerrard left. Before Gio van Bronckhorst was appointed, he led the first-team to a Scottish Cup semi-final defeat at the hands of Hibs.