Ferguson admits fury at Rangers 'absolute fanatic' Andy Halliday after text message revealed

Derek Ferguson admits he was "raging" at Andy Halliday when the former Rangers midfielder scored at Hampden Park in the League Cup semi final.

The Motherwell man put his side ahead during a dismal first-half performance from the Light Blues on 3 November, and revealed on Open Goal (5 November) that he found an outraged text message from his fellow pundit timed immediately after the strike.

Ferguson couldn't believe a friend and die-hard Rangers supporter looked like he might be about to knock the club out and deny them the opportunity to defend their cup win against Celtic in the final, while possibly ending under-pressure manager Philippe Clement's reign in the process.

But after an improved second-half showing from the Gers saw Cyriel Dessers and Nedim Bajrami turn the result into a 2-1 win the ex-Ibrox favourite calmed down and was able to congratulate Halliday on his goal.

Philippe Clement job on the line at Rangers

He exclusively told Ibrox News: "I was raging, I was raging. I'm like, 'Oh come on Andy'. We know how big a supporter of Rangers Andy is and he's a friend as well.

"And when he put that in the back of the net I was like, 'Oh no, surely you're not going to put us out of the cup. At least give us that opportunity to go to the final to go up against Celtic'.

"It was just Andy's reaction as well, because I was gobsmacked. It was a great goal from his point of view but when you're sitting watching it and you see it's not just a friend, but you know how much of a support of the club Andy is, he's an absolute fanatic.

"His reaction was quite funny, but mine right away, I was like, 'You [expletive]'. It was like that. I was raging, so I was.

"But after the second half, and we'd scraped through yet again, I sent him a wee text that was a little bit more positive shall we say.

"He's a good lad, Andy, still performing well, still a big influence as well on and off the park. It was just one of those days, and all eyes were on the manager as well. If he doesnae win that there's he just couldn't survive it.

"There were all these thoughts going through my head and I just automatically sent him a text. I didnae think it would be aired. Not to worry, that's how it goes."

In other Rangers news, Ianis Hagi has returned to the B Team again following his exile earlier this season.

For more Rangers news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.