In last night’s pre-match press conference, Steven Gerrard was joined by Andy Halliday.
Perhaps, this is a sign that the manager intends to include the life-long Bear in tonight’s starting XI.
After all, Halliday did score Rangers’ only goal on Sunday, at Dundee. What a goal it was, too. An excellently struck free kick from the edge of the box, straight into the top left corner.
However, he was replaced, shortly after Borna Barisic, the man many consider to be Rangers’ best left-back, entered the fray. The substitution signalled the Croatian’s much anticipated return from a serious calf injury.
With a half in a reserves game also under his belt, Barisic should now be fully fit. As a result, many are tipping him to be handed a starting berth tonight.
While Halliday has deputised well in Barisic’s absence, it’s surely the sensible option to choose an out-and-out left-back on such a big occasion.
Could Halliday and Barisic both start?
Yet, it’s also possible that both players could get the nod.
After two poor performances in a row, no position in Rangers’ midfield is secure. Gerrard could opt to replace Ryan Jack, or Jordan Rossiter, with Halliday, as the stalwart is at his most comfortable in the middle of the park.
Certainly, it would be a strange ploy, to send a player you had no intention of playing, out for the pre-match presser.
We will have to wait and see when and where Halliday is deployed. One thing is for sure though, he will give everything for the badge wherever he’s called upon.
