Rangers stalwart Andy Halliday has revealed he thought his career at Ibrox was over in the summer before Steven Gerrard handed him the chance to turn his status as the club around.
The 27-year-old has been a part of every single one of the Gers’ matchday squads this season in all competitions, with 12 appearances as both a starter and a substitute.
It makes a stark change from how his season began 12 months ago, when he was playing a fleeting role at FK Gabala on loan, before returning to Glasgow to feature more prominently in the second half of the campaign.
Speaking the the media ahead of Sunday’s clash with Hamilton, Halliday revealed he did not think he was going to remain at the club, and heralded Gerrard for showing the faith required to come back.
He was quoted by Rangers’ official Twitter account as saying: “I didn’t think my future was at Rangers but thankfully the Manager gave me that chance and showed faith in me. It’s up to me to repay that faith.
??AH: I didn't think my future was at Rangers but thankfully the Manager gave me that chance and showed faith in me. It's up to me to repay that faith.
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) October 19, 2018
Opinion
There would not have been many fans who would have thought that Halliday had any part to play for the club this time last year, so it just goes to show how much he has managed to change perceptions with his performances both on and off the pitch. He is a trusted member of Gerrard’s squad, hence his appearance at every match, home and away, and it could well be that his experience of the Gers and time at Ibrox stands him in good stead for the future. He might not be a regular starter but quality in depth is what forms a successful side and in Halliday Gerrard knows he has a dependable figure who can carry out the duties asked of him. A Glasgow boy born and bred, Halliday has a deep connection to the club so it must have been hard thinking that his time at Ibrox was coming to an end, so he will no doubt be thankful to his manager for giving him the chance to prove his worth to the side.