On Wednesday evening Rangers booked their place in the semi-finals of the Scottish League Cup following a comprehensive and comfortable victory over Ayr United at Ibrox.
In a changed side as manager Steven Gerrard shuffled the pack to give some players match minutes, and others a rest and a break, goals came from Nikola Katic, a Glenn Middleton brace and Alfredo Morelos as we took the 4-0 victory.
It was another good display and Gerrard will certainly have taken the positives, especially from those that he offered a chance to impress as we are proving we have decent strength in depth and threats around the pitch and whilst it’s easy to praise the likes of Worrall and Middleton in particular, let alone our Liverpool loanees, Andy Halliday deserves special mention for his performance.
The boyhood Rangers fan hasn’t always had the best of times at the club following his arrival and he’s often the subject of criticism within the fanbase, but Gerrard gifted him the armband for the game and he didn’t let anyone down.
Just seen the rangers score ! Another thumping handed out . Gerrard has us firing on all cylinders ????????????⚽️ squad depth is great and he’s using it brilliantly . Great to see Halliday captain the team amazing what some confidence does .
— Broxi Bear ???? (@BRX1B3AR) September 27, 2018
When duty calls Andy Halliday answers. Great move by the gaffer handing him the armband, a rangers man living the dream ????⚪️????
— Laurence Spence (@laurie050393) September 26, 2018
Andy Halliday – Captain, strolled it. 2 x assists and the first was exceptional. Well done that bear. Stevie G building confidence back up at Rangers ???? ????????????⚽️
— Bo'ness True Blues (@bonesstrueblues) September 26, 2018
Enjoyed that tonight. Middleton will take the plaudits but Andy Halliday was my motm, different class he was tonight. A captains performance, full of ability. Great to see him thriving #Rangers
— Fenner ♂️ (@unionjackhat) September 26, 2018
Fully agree Mitchell , Hallidays transaction from a mere squad player / potential release to captaining the side last night is phenomenal , terrific attitude and sums up just what it takes to be a bear ???????????? #weareonourway #bornabear #mitchellsapoof
— Cameron (@cameronmccorma) September 27, 2018
Also that’s the best game Andy Halliday has had in a Rangers shirt, whole team just loving life under Gerrard right now
— Kyle Nicholson (@_kyyyle) September 26, 2018
Andy Halliday captaining Rangers tonight after the majority of the fans wanted him out. It just shows when a new manger comes in and treats everyone the same what can be achieved. He was like a different player tonight. ????⚪️???? #rangers pic.twitter.com/s4iQolp21R
— Cammy (@Cammy1085) September 26, 2018
Another great team performance. Rotation system seems to be working. Like the look of Ejaria. He's getting better with every game. Middleton as well.
— Barry (@bazza555555) September 26, 2018
It took Middleton to score 2 to get MotM before Halliday, what a change in that guy since Gerrard arrived ????????????????????????
— Drew (@drewgebbie) September 26, 2018
At times the criticism has been fair, but as the above shows, it’s only right he takes the plaudits and gets acknowledged for his efforts as well – especially in light of his two assists on the evening.
He’ll definitely win more fans back with that level of performance in the future if he can find his consistency now and impress further.