Should Andy Halliday start against Villarreal? It’s a question that Gerrard will think long and hard about
It all hinges on Ovie Ejaria overcoming a slight tweak as to whether Halliday is given another run-out. The Mark Warburton signing is still rebuilding his reputation after a shocking two years under previous regimes.
But, nowadays, it looks like Steven Gerrard is getting the best out of him once again. It feels, for the most part, like Halliday is returning to the tenacious, energetic grafter we watched in Warburton’s first season.
His performances are becoming reliable and he’s starting to truly embody what a Rangers player should perform like on the park.
Irrespective of that, however, Gerrard has to take into consideration one key thing – is he good enough for Europe?
Sure, Halliday has managed to put in some good displays against the likes of Dundee and Kilmarnock in domestic matters. European football, however, is a step up.
Many will point to his performance against Maribor in particular away from home and say yes. This is plausible, and Halliday was certainly as reliable as ever in Slovenia.
Different proposition
Villarreal on Thursday night at El Madrigal, however, is a totally different proposition. Any big weaknesses shown in the side and the La Liga outfit will exploit it.
Not that Halliday has shown any signs of weakness this season. In fact, his performances so far have suggested he’s one of the most reliable performers.
You can’t help but think back to those horrible defeats to Celtic last season, however, where Halliday had some shocking displays. Up against a good winger in James Forrest, he was beaten far too often and struggled with a higher quality of opposition. As of yet, Halliday has yet to be tested against that level of player since.
Should he feel the need to throw him in, Gerrard will probably do so without a moment’s hesitation. The manager appears to like Halliday despite his previous campaigns at Ibrox.
It’s also important to remember that Halliday featured in the huge win for Bradford City over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge over three years ago. Added to that, he scored a terrific goal in it as well.
For now, the former Livingston and Bradford City man continues to impress and delight the Gers supporters.
Is he good enough for Europe? His past experiences would suggest he’s more than that.
