Halliday starred at left-back for Rangers against Maribor.
Steven Gerrard will have been delighted with his Rangers players as they drew 0-0 in Slovenia against Maribor to progress into the Europa League play-off round – but one will have stood out to the Gers manager.
Rangers nullified Maribor throughout, holding onto their 3-1 first-leg win at Ibrox to set up a play-off tie against Russian outfit FC Ufa as Allan McGregor shone between the sticks, saving a penalty late on.
But it was the display of 26-year-old midfielder Andy Halliday, who was used on the left side of defence and his near-impeccable performance will have given Gerrard food for thought.
With competition in the middle of the park likely to be too strong for ex-Middlesbrough man Halliday, the left-footed ace was reportedly made surplus to requirements in the summer (The Daily Mail).
But his display on Thursday night should convince Gerrard to mould him into a left-back, and subsequently spell the end of Lee Hodson’s career at Ibrox.
If Halliday becomes Borna Barisic’s cover at left-back, then Rangers will have four full-backs that are adept at playing at the top level – with James Tavernier and Jon Flanagan – two for each position.
Halliday’s display on Thursday showed that he is able to match the other three full-backs in terms of quality, and that should finally see Northern Ireland international Hodson become surplus to requirements.
The former MK Dons ace has already been linked with MLS outfit Montreal Impact this summer, but a move has failed to materialise. But with a fortnight to go in the window, Rangers should consider the 5ft 7in defender’s future.
Halliday’s performance should be enough to convince Gerrard that Hodson is no longer required.
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