With Rangers stalwart Andy Halliday entering his fifth season of an eventful half-decade at Ibrox, attention has switched to whether or not the utility man should be offered a new contract at the club.
Now very much seen as a left-back by Steven Gerrard, the former Middlesbrough, Bradford and Livingston midfielder-turned-wing-back is in the final year of his Ibrox contract.
Far from gearing up for one last hurrah, the 27-year-old will be trying to win a new contract in Govan. And so far at least, he’s doing enough to suggest he deserves it.
This isn’t about Halliday’s staunchness or some kind of sentimental offering to a diehard bluenose.
Although admittedly, it’s easy to see why some supporters may be sucked into this notion.
Rather, Andy Halliday deserves a new contract for how he has developed over the last season and for his performances on the pitch.
It’s something that the player himself believes too [Football Scotland]. And why shouldn’t he?
Underestimate Andy Halliday at your peril
Reliable and growing in confidence, Halliday has shown over the last year that Steven Gerrard can depend on him. Even when he needed to stand up in an unfamiliar position.
Whilst true that Halliday isn’t a world-beating player, this fallacy that’s he’s complete and utter mince is nonsense.
He’s a useful player, a hard-worker and has a strong left foot delivery and strike.
He’s learned not to take too many chances on the ball and despite all the gripe he’s received at times, is always a willing and positive option on the pitch. Halliday doesn’t hide.
From Old Firm hammerings to managerial turnovers and a trip to Azerbaijan in between, he’s survived to become one of our longest-serving players, and one of the most influential in the squad.
Andy Halliday has been through a lot to make the grade at Rangers and achieve his dream.
And if he keeps performing the way that he has been, there’s no reason why he should wake up from it any time soon.
