DaMARCUS Beasley is determined to put his controversial disallowed winner against Aberdeen behind him and focus his efforts on helping Rangers emerge triumphant from the first Old Firm derby of the season.
The winger is still baffled by assistant referee Billy Baxter's decision to chalk off his last-gasp strike at Pittodrie, which would have earned his side a win and propelled them clear at the top of the Premier League.
Instead, they head into
Sunday's clash level on points with leaders Celtic and determined to gain an early advantage over their rivals – which is why Beasley is keen to forget about the events of last week.
"It was frustrating, but it's over and done with now and I'm not giving it too much thought anymore," he said. "That day and the day after was tough to try to get my head around it.
"The assistant ref made a terrible decision and it cost us two points. But that's just the way it is and we have to get on with it.
"We should have scored before that, but it didn't happen and we have to look forward to next week. I still don't know why it wasn't given, I was a body length onside and I don't know how he missed it.
"We all make mistakes, but that was a huge mistake for us, especially at the beginning of the season. We could have won three games in a row, with nine points, at the top of the league. Instead, we have lost two points already in the season."
Beasley's only taste of Old Firm action so far came in the 3-0 win at Ibrox last October. He then sustained knee ligament damage which kept him out for most of the season.
The American is now relishing his first visit to Celtic Park, saying: "It's definitely going to be interesting because I've never played at Parkhead so I'm excited about it like everyone else is.
"I want to get my feet wet at Parkhead and get the three points that we're going there for. We're not going for the draw and to sit back, we are going there to attack and try to win. A win would be amazing.
"To win a game like that against Celtic at Parkhead is something I've never even dreamed of. When you put on a Rangers shirt, your wish is to win and to get a good result at Parkhead because that's where legends are born. I just want a good result for the team and for the squad and hopefully we do that on Sunday."
Beasley is also hoping finally to put his injury woes behind him and make his mark at Rangers. He added:
"I've been injured for most of my career at Rangers and I want to be fit for this year and for years to come while I'm here. I'm looking forward to the rest of the season."
The full article contains 498 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
