We here at Ibrox Noise have never really spoken an awful lot about Andy Halliday, certainly not in huge quantities in recent times anyway. He has clearly faded from the front line since this season began after continuing to play a surprisingly prominent role under Mark Warburton last time around in defensive midfield following three failed summer 2016 signings there in the form of Joey Barton, Jordan Rossiter and Matt Crooks.

When Pedro Caixinha took over after Graeme Murty’s caretaker stint, Halliday’s exile became entrenched as he went out on loan to Gabala of Azerbaijan.

He did not complain or object to the move, and did it professionally.

Ultimately, Gabala were unable to play him because they had overgone their foreign player quota, despite their press rating him highly.

He returned to Ibrox in January and our view was that as squad filler, he would do a decent enough job.

But we have to say, there is something about the guy’s professionalism, conduct, and general mannerisms since he return that has raised our respect for him hugely and really raised our estimations of him.

To come in from the cold, still without any kind of complaint at not being a first team regular, and take any role he got with enthusiasm and effort shows a gratefulness at getting to continue to live the dream, no matter the nature of the job at hand.

In short, Halliday, one of our own, has accepted a demotion from first pick to fringe player with complete dignity, and for us has acquitted his recent stint at left back pretty dashed well.

Sure, it is not a position alien to him, as he has played there in the past for both Rangers and previous clubs, but to come in and do a really rather decent job in the absence of both Declan John and Lee Wallace shows the man’s professionalism and ability to remain fit and ready when needed.

He will be gutted inside that he is no longer a first team player by default, and we admit long term he is not good enough to be one, especially given how the standard of this Rangers is getting back much more to what an SPL Rangers should be.

But instead of being petty, he has taken it on the chin, grabbed at any chance he can get, and when filling in, done a good job for his club.

He knows his spell in the team is finite, and when John is fit he will be back at the left, but for now, Halliday is enjoying his time in the limelight and holding his head up high while he does it.

Not every player who puts on the Light Blue shirt is grateful to be in such a position. Halliday always has been. And is showing it even more now.

And that is why sir, we salute you.