Caixinha still aims to cash in on O’Halloran

Pedro Caixinha believes Rangers can still cash in on Michael O’Halloran despite reiterating his stance the forward has no future at Ibrox.

O’Halloran has been sent back to St Johnstone on loan after being told he is no longer part of the plans. But his return to Perth has sparked a stunning upturn in fortunes for the 26-year-old, with four goals in his first five games for Tommy Wright’s men.

Yet the manner of his departure from Ibrox has left O’Halloran feeling bitter and he sparked headlines this week when he lashed out at the effectiveness of Caixinha’s training methods.

The Rangers boss refused to bite back when quizzed on the row ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Dundee.

Instead, he urged O’Halloran to continue his hot streak and ensure the Light Blues are able to maximise his value once his McDiarmid stint ends in January.

“I need to be pleased for him and also for Tommy because they won the player and the manager of the month awards,” said Caixinha.

“It’s his decision (to speak out) and I respect it but I just hope he continues doing very good because ultimately he is our player and if they (St Johnstone) want to buy him – or someone else wants to buy him – if he is scoring goals, it will be perfect for us.”

O’Halloran cost Caixinha’s predecessor Mark Warburton £500,000 when he was signed from Saints 18 months ago. But his time at Ibrox looks to be coming to an end after the Portuguese coach declared last month O’Halloran does not have what it takes to succeed at Rangers.

The wisdom of Caixinha’s comments have been questioned but the manager is happy with his handling of the situation.

He said: “What I said I repeat.

“I have just one word. I don’t say one thing one day and another the next. Ultimately he is our player and by the end we will be winning with that.”

Pedro Caixinha: standing by his comments.