Rangers manager Michael Beale has been under pressure lately (Photo: PA)

Former Celtic manager Martin O’Neill believes Rangers boss Michael Beale is under pressure to set an Old Firm mark in Sunday’s ViaPlay Cup final by “banging” the hoops.

Despite 13 wins and one draw – a 2-2 draw against Celtic at Ibrox – since taking the Govan hot seat, Beale has failed to break the Hoops’ nine-point lead at the top of the Premier League, with the reigning champions probably their crowns.

O’Neill was Hoops manager between 2000 and 2005 when he won three league titles, three Scottish cups and a League Cup – winning the domestic treble in his debut season – and led the Celts to the 2003 UEFA Cup Final.

Asked if he thinks Beale Ange Postecoglou should deal a blow to Parkhead’s counterpart by taking the trophy – the first silver up for grabs of the season – O’Neill told talkSPORT: “I think so. Since he’s been there was, the results are fine.

The Rangers couldn’t close the gap, but they kept it there as both teams won football games.

“But that’s big. That’s really big for Rangers on Sunday. “They’re trying to win a trophy, they’re trying to break Celtic’s grip on Scotland at the moment.

Martin O’Neill was Celtic’s former manager between 2000 and 2005 (Image: Action Images)

“Postecoglou has done a fantastic job and I must say it is very important for Rangers.”

O’Neill admits he misses the battle between the Glasgow giants and the tension in Europe. He added: “How would you not want to miss that?

“The old company games were, without a doubt, just on another planet. And Celtic Park is just stratospheric on European nights.’