Fan-in-theshirt ready to keep his head down

ANDY HALLIDAY insists Celtic should forget about trying to goad him into a reaction in the Scottish Cup semi-final as he has spent much of his preparation time absorbing sage advice on handling the intoxicating atmosphere of Old Firm battle.

The midfielder is the fan-in-theshirt of the Rangers team, as shown when he climbed in beside supporters’ group, Union Bears, in the wake of the recent victory over Dumbarton to celebrate the capture of the Ladbrokes Championship with a sing-song through a megaphone.

He has been leaning heavily on Under-20s coach Ian Durrant as he deals with the pressure of life at Ibrox, and has a stern warning from assistant manager David Weir ringing in his ears as well.

“If Celtic want to provoke me it’s up to them, but they’ve got experienced players who will look to enjoy the game,” he said. “I don’t know what they are going to do, but I will take it in my stride. I’m not worried about that. I’m 24 years old now and I’ve played quite a few first-team games.

“It is a first for me, playing in an Old Firm game, but I’m confident that I can control it. Everyone’s emotions will be running high, whether you are a fan or not.

“I think I’ve tapped into the right people’s experience and I’m going to approach the game in the right manner. It’s been great to have Ian Durrant about the place.

“I’ve asked him how to deal with being a Rangers player off the park, how to deal with social media, interviews, everything. Being an Old Firm player is a 24/7 lifestyle.”

Weir is widely regarded as one of the game’s gentlemen. Even he knows what it is to snap in the midst of the maelstrom, landing a suspension following a 2-1 defeat at Celtic Park in 2008 for becoming involved in an on-field wrestling match with Gary Caldwell after the final whistle.

“It is an easy game to get involved in and maybe over-react, so I think it is important to keep your emotions in check and play the game of football rather than playing the occasion,” stated Weir.