Glenn Middleton’s goals against Ayr United lit up Ibrox in the Betfred Cup quarter-finals last night.
The left-winger put on a terrific show to increase his growing reputation as a future star. The goals were part of a positive 4-0 victory over Championship leaders Ayr, with many good performers on the night.
Middleton, of course, was the pick of the bunch with his brace, but he chose to focus on another of his teammates for praise. Andy Halliday helped set up the two goals with a pair of good passes that set Middleton on his way.
It also appears the Gers youngster hasn’t forgotten it either. Speaking to Rangers’ official website after the victory, Middleton took time out to praise Steven Gerrard’s renaissance man.
“It is one step closer to what we want to achieve. Andy has played two great balls through to me. The first one, it’s just a case of letting it run through to my body and just getting as close to goal as I can before shooting.
“For the second one, it’s the same also and it was just about getting the touch away from the defender and having a shot. We know as a squad what it means to this club to win trophies and we are one step closer to that now.
“I am very grateful for all of the support the fans are giving me. Hopefully I can keep showing what I can do with every chance I get and keep repaying the faith shown in me.”
An overwhelming eagerness
Middleton shows extreme eagerness to thrive and isn’t just showing it off the pitch either. His two goals were extremely well taken, but his acknowledgement of Halliday’s assists was a classy touch. Middleton was the star of the show and will achieve great things, but Halliday needs the performances he’s putting in.
It may have only been Ayr United, but Halliday is still at a stage where he’s rebuilding confidence. Good displays against any side is what he needs at this moment in time, and he’s providing it.
Gerrard will be delighted with the effort he’s getting from his midfielder. Halliday was shifted to left-back against Ayr, but is becoming such a dependable figure this season.
A shocking end to the previous campaign seemed to put the writing on the wall for him. A new manager was coming in and Halliday looked like one of the first to be shipped out.
Gerrard has been keen to provide him with regular opportunities, however. The Rangers manager gave everyone the chance to prove their worth, and Halliday is a credit in that respect. He’s picked up the baton and ran with it, showing a relentless desire to get his Rangers career back on track.
Once again, it’ll be Middleton taking the plaudits and rightfully so. His brace was another key stage in his development, and he’ll continue to flourish under Gerrard.
Halliday, however, just keeps getting better and better this season. If he keeps performing, then he’ll keep getting chances in the bigger tests to come.
