The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
O’Halloran on sidelines after U-20s no-show
RANGERS: Manager says issues with winger have been dealt with
Rangers manager Pedro Caixinha has revealed Michael O’Halloran will not be part of his squad for tomorrow’s visit of Partick Thistle after the winger’s under-20s no-show.
Caixinha refused to give details on O’Halloran’s situation but confirmed he dealt with the matter internally.
The 26-year-old is reported to be training on his own after failing to turn up for an SPFL Development League match on Monday evening.
When asked about the situation at his pre-match media conference, Caixinha said: “Michael is from our family. Normally when I have a problem with my family I sort it at home. That means I will call it an internal affair. What happens at home stays at home, and it is going to be solved, has been solved, at home. That’s all I can tell you.
“The only thing I can tell you is he is not part of the squad for the next match.”
The ex-St Johnstone player last featured, off the bench, against Motherwell on April 1 but has not been involved in the 18-man squads for the subsequent two matches.
Caixinha continued the family theme when asked about the future of Barrie McKay. Reports claimed the winger had rejected an initial contract offer, but the Rangers manager is keen to nurture the 22-year-old’s talent.
The Portuguese coach said: “I don’t discuss stories in the papers, I just discuss the reality.
“Barrie is our player, I know he is finishing his contract by the end of next season.
“And when it’s time to discuss it, if it’s to renew or end it, we will be pleased to tell that information.
“But I am not going to discuss anything that comes out in the paper. We keep things on the inside, not coming from outside to inside.
“He is a bright player, he is a player with top qualities, with great potential. But I want to add something to his football.
“He’s my boy and I work to keep him, to raise him and to educate him and coach him to another level.
“But so far he is doing perfect. He’s a great kid and he still needs to progress a lot, but he is one player who everyone likes to have in his squad.”
Meanwhile, Caixinha confirmed he would stick with the same 18-man squad which returned from Aberdeen with three points when his team take on Partick Thistle at Ibrox tomorrow.
Harry Forrester returned to training on Wednesday following injury.
Defenders Clint Hill, Rob Kiernan and Lee Wallace remain on the sidelines.