Former Rangers midfielder Andy Halliday endured a weekend to remember - both on and off the pitch - as he captained Motherwell to a stunning victory over his boyhood club before making his Sky Sports punditry debut covering the Edinburgh derby.
Halliday played a pivotal role in the Steelmen’s 2-1 triumph at Ibrox, securing their first league win at the iconic stadium since his own side’s victory there last season.
The result marked a significant moment in the Michael Wimmer era, with Halliday leading from the front to ensure Barry Ferguson’s home return as Rangers’ interim boss ended in disappointment.
While Halliday’s display on Saturday was notable, it was his comments on Sunday’s Edinburgh derby that had fans - and former opponents - talking.
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The 33-year-old, who was covering Hearts’ 2-1 defeat to Hibernian at Easter Road, admitted during his appearance on the latest Open Goal podcast that it was the “first time” he had heard Hibs supporters sing their unofficial anthem Sunshine on Leith live.
The ex-Celtic and Aberdeen midfielder cheekily quipped, “The cup final, yous were in the dressing room,” triggering laughter while Halliday, perhaps recalling that painful day at Hampden Park, could only watch on awkwardly before continuing the conversation.
If the podcast exchange wasn’t enough banter for one weekend, Halliday also found himself the subject of discussion on Clyde 1 Superscoreboard following Motherwell’s Ibrox heroics.
Halliday stirred controversy when refused to celebrate after netting the opener for Motherwell during a Scottish Cup semi-final against Rangers earlier in the season, a decision that divided opinion.
However, when host Gordon Duncan teased him about it on air, Halliday was quick to clarify his stance this time.
“I certainly didn’t apologise after winning the game, that’s for sure. So I’ve learned my lesson from last time!” he said with a grin.
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Reflecting on Motherwell’s display as they climbed into the Scottish Premiership's top six, Halliday added: “All the talk was about Barry Ferguson’s return as interim manager.
“After their result at Kilmarnock, coming back from two goals down to win, it felt like there was a buzz going into the stadium.
“But it wasn’t just the result, it was the performance [from Motherwell]. I thought it was our best performance of the season, and the result of the weekend.”
