The winger saw red against Motherwell as the clock ticks down on his Rangers career.
If Michael O’Halloran has one final chance to prove that he can make the grade at Ibrox, he didn’t exactly make the best start. Just four minutes into Saturday’s clash with Motherwell at Fir Park, the 26-year-old planted his studs directly into Carl McHugh’s groin. Cue wincing, writhing and a straight red card.
Yet, with the dust settling on deadline day, O’Halloran remains a member of Mark Warburton’s squad despite the Daily Record reporting that Rangers were ready to send him out on loan after an almost anonymous first half of the season.
The Daily Record added that Warburton was even willing to sanction a move to fellow European challengers Hearts. The manager, by the sounds of it, doesn’t rate his winger particularly highly.
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Therefore, a two game ban is hardly ideal preparation for the next few months, a crucial spell that could define his Rangers career. And the January arrivals of Jon Toral and Emerson Hyndman, both midfield creators, are likely to push O’Halloran further down the pecking order.
However, Warburton entrusted him with a rare start at Fir Park, suggesting that, at long as he is plying his trade at Ibrox, his first-team prospects can never be ruled out entirely.
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Although, after he wasted his opportunity in spectacular style against Motherwell, he cannot afford to make the same mistake.
Otherwise Rangers may not be so forgiving in the summer.
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