Andy Halliday hits back at what Rangers fan said about Emmanuel Fernandez with £15m shutdown

Andy Halliday disagrees with Rangers fans who want John Souttar to start ahead of Emmanuel Fernandez.

After a difficult start to the season, the Nigeria international has formed an exceptional partnership with Olwethu Makhanya at Ibrox.

While the former Peterborough United defender does have his faults, he has largely been perfect for the Light Blues in their recent games.

Derek McInnes doesn't count on Souttar at all and it certainly wouldn't make sense for him to play the Scotland international ahead of Fernandez.

The 24-year-old seems to have regained his confidence in recent weeks, after several mistakes at the back.

Even if the centre-back goes through another patchy spell, the Govan side may have a compelling reason to stick with him in their starting line-up.

Emmanuel Fernandez set for big-money Rangers exit

West Ham United wanted Fernandez in the summer, with the centre-back in demand down south.

There's no denying the centre-back's potential, although Halliday did acknowledge the defender hasn't always been at his best.

One Gers fan called in on live radio to suggest Souttar should replace Fernandez in the starting side, but Halliday doesn't see that happening.

Speaking on Clyde 1 Superscoreboard on 29 September, he said, "I totally agree Fernandez has five minutes every game and that five minutes he's always poor.

"But then everyone seems to forget about the 85 minutes where he's almost faultless. For me, Fernandez was faultless in those two games against Celtic for 85 minutes.

"John Souttar will make Rangers £1m potentially. Fernandez will make Rangers £15m-plus. That's why he has to play. He's getting better and better."

How Emmanuel Fernandez can lead Derek McInnes to success at Ibrox

Rangers made some exciting additions up front in the transfer window to bolster McInnes' squad.

Fans in G51 have high hopes after seeing Minsu Kim, Badredine Bouanani and Kevin Kelsy play.

While the Gers' renewed attack could certainly bring fans joy this season, the defence will arguably play a bigger role in leading them to titles.

Dujon Sterling, Fernandez and Makhanya have formed a solid foundation for McInnes to push for the league title, and James Penrice also deserves special mention for bringing the extra quality needed at left-back.

Things have turned around very quickly, now it's about maintaining that.