Andy Halliday’s appearances for Rangers this season have all had one common denominator – consistency.
He started and performed extremely well in the 2-0 win over St Mirren yesterday. Putting in a now typically reliable performance, the Rangers star was one of the standouts for his composed display at left-back.
Borna Barisic remains the first-choice left-back, and that should remain the case. The Croatian international has been a star since arriving from Osijek. Recent displays have cemented Halliday as the official replacement, however.
Recently, it had been Jon Flanagan deputising in Barisic’s absence. The former Liverpool academy star, however, has failed to impress in any of the three games over the last week.
That’s now been followed up by yet another terrific display by renaissance man Halliday. He’s now consistently performing when selected down the left. So far this season, Halliday has made a total of 15 appearances for the club. Many of those have come with him playing down the left side.
You can’t drop Halliday
So long as Barisic is out, you now can’t drop Halliday. Supporters know that they’re getting 100% from him on a weekly basis.
Flanagan, meanwhile, continues to concern fans in recent outings. Despite initially looking the business with his aggression, it’s become quickly evident he struggles in most one-v-ones. His display against Aberdeen’s Gary Mackay-Steven last Sunday was highly concerning.
Halliday has yet to show those same frailties – this season at least. Therefore, when it comes to selecting who should be in there when Barisic isn’t fit, it has to be Halliday.
It wasn’t more evident than yesterday. St Mirren got absolutely no joy down the right flank. Instead, they often had to switch to the left and try to take on James Tavernier through Ryan Edwards.
It’s a credit to the performance of Halliday defensively. He also, however, wasn’t afraid to go bombing forward in possession either. There continues to be a growing confidence around the utility man’s game.
He proved yet again he’s more than up for the fight at Rangers. That deserves to be rewarded with more game-time down the left when suitable.
It does, look, however, like that will have a bad affect on Flanagan. He hasn’t impressed enough in his displays this season overall. Despite looking the part early on, he continues to struggle defensively.
The same can’t be said for Halliday, and Gerrard now has a big decision to make.
