RANGERS' head of academy Craig Mulholland has revealed that Michael Beale played a key role in bringing Zeb Jacobs to Ibrox.

Jacobs was announced today as Rangers' new head of academy coaching and he will take on the role from January 2022.

Mulholland and sporting director Ross Wilson headed the mission to land Jacobs for the role, but it has been revealed that ex-Ibrox coach Beale was also involved in the process.

Beale departed Ibrox with Steven Gerrard last month as the pair linked up with Aston Villa in the Premier League.

Mulholland explained: “We are delighted to welcome Zeb to Rangers.

"Ross and myself, with the assistance of Michael Beale, set out to identify a modern and innovative coach and coach educator who pushes boundaries, thinks differently and would be pivotal in helping us create Rangers players who can excel in the future game.

"We spoke with several coaches across Europe before ultimately choosing Zeb as we believe his understanding of how young people learn and his creative teaching methodologies will allow us to develop coaches and curriculums.

"This will result in exciting, creative, 1v1 dominant players forming a Rangers identity. This appointment is one of the next steps in an exciting evolution of our Academy.

"We felt it was important that in order to produce more Nathan Patterson’s and to deliver on our new aspirational strategy, we identified someone who excited us and matched our clear vision.

"We look forward to Zeb starting in the new year and inspiring our excellent staff and talented players in the Academy.”

Jacobs joins from Royal Antwerp FC where he was talent co-ordinator and head of development in the Belgian academy.