Less than three months ago Andy Halliday experienced the greatest day of his life- one that he will take to the grave.
It wasn’t a family landmark, his marriage, becoming a father or passing his cycling proficiency test. He played in a winning team against Celtic!
Brought up in the shadow of Ibrox, the 27-year-old is as true a blue as it’s possible to find, a lifelong fan of the original club given the opportunity to star for the tribute act on their way to glory.
Since signing on a free transfer from Bradford City in 2015 he had enjoyed the thrill of promotion to the top flight then the dejection of being repeatedly spanked silly by a Celtic side led by Brendan Rodgers.
Finally Halliday had his revenge, a win over the seven-in-a-row champions and the opportunity to milk the 90 minutes to death over the coming weeks in Dubai and Tenerife. Soon he would be able to call Jermain Defoe and Steve Davis team-mates.
I’ve watched this about 10 times, nobody understands it like Andy Halliday does. He’s been slated and ridiculed and come back stronger – couldn’t be happier for the guy. “The best day of my life”, “I’ll take that to my grave”. https://t.co/RmvrHRQghi
— Oliver Shooter (@easyluckyfree84) December 30, 2018
Reflecting on that epic result he said: “Probably the best day of my life, it has been difficult over the last couple of years as a team and individually.
“Personally I have been questioned quite a bit over the last couple of years and I stood up to that challenge and showed why I belong here.
“No-one can match my mental character and mental strength. I think I have showed this year in my performances that I want to be here.
“Today, there were 11 bodies that gave their absolute maximum, their A game and showed Celtic no respect from the first whistle and thoroughly deserved the victory.
“The gaffer got it spot on in his post-match interview against Celtic at Parkhead (1-0 home win). We just didn’t look as if we had any belief on the day that we wanted to get the win.
“We came out of our shell more in the second half and started to cause them problems so when we went for the game plan for today, we wanted to get in their faces.
“Celtic have gave us a couple of doings in the past and today should have been a doing. Like I said I have had a tough time but the support I have had personally from the fans has been outstanding.
“I have never experienced anything like that today, the way they were singing my name for the last 10 minutes, I will take that to the grave.”
Not that game you’re talking about, but here’s Celtic fans singing Andy Halliday at the Cup game ???? @CeltsAreHere pic.twitter.com/huNrAotjdl
— CelticLisboa (@CelticLisboaa) November 17, 2018
During the Pedro Caixinha era Halliday was sent out on loan to Azerbaijan side Gambala. His current Ibrox deals runs until June next year.