Halliday’s a believer in progress
Rangers v Hamilton Today, 3pm
ANDY HALLIDAY says it is time Rangers started rebuilding their standing as a dominant domestic force after seeing Steven Gerrard’s side restore the club’s European reputation.
The Light Blues’ Europa League adventure came to an end on Thursday as they failed to get the victory over Rapid Vienna which would have taken them to the last 32.
However, ahead of today’s visit of Hamitlon, Halliday insisted his team should be proud of what they achieved after leading the club to their first group-stage appearance for eight years.
Rangers were beaten just twice during their 14-game run – both times by a single goal – and Halliday was more than satisfied with that particular record.
“I’m very proud of the boys’ efforts throughout the campaign,” said the midfielder.
“At the start of the season the main objective was to get to the groups but once we got there, we were seen as the underdogs.
“At that point, had you given us the position of being 90 minutes away from qualifying out of the group we’d have taken it but we’re obviously disappointed that we have fallen at the last hurdle.
“I’d like to think we’ve started the job of repairing the club’s standing in Europe with how we’ve performed.
“I think we’ve shown we belong at this level.
“We’ve not been steamrolled in any game. In every match we were competitive and deserved to win a few more.
“That’s why we managed to pick up six points but it’s just disappointing we didn’t get a couple more to see us through.”