PEDRO Caixinha believes Rangers can still cash in on Michael O’Halloran despite reiterating his stance the forward has no future at Ibrox.
O’Halloran has been sent back to St Johnstone on loan after being told he is no longer part of Caxinha’s plans.
But his return to Perth has sparked a stunning upturn in fortunes for the 26-year-old, with four goals in his first five games for Tommy Wright’s men.
Yet the manner of his departure from Ibrox has left O’Halloran feeling bitter and he sparked headlines earlier this week when he lashed out at the effectiveness of Caixinha’s training methods.
The Rangers boss refused to bite back when quizzed on the row ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Dundee.
Instead, he urged O’Halloran to continue his hot steak and ensure the Light Blues are able to maximise his value once his McDiarmid stint ends in January.
“I need to be pleased for him and also for Tommy because they won the player and the manager of the month awards,” said Caixinha.
“He’s still our player but (his comments) are up to him. I’m not going to discuss in public things that I know and that I believe and that I have studied a lifetime for.
“It’s his decision (to speak out) and I respect it but I just hope he continues doing very good because ultimately he is our player and if they (St Johnstone) want to buy him – or someone else wants to buy him – if he is scoring goals, it will be perfect for us.”
O’Halloran cost Caixinha’s predecessor Mark Warburton £500,000 when he was signed from Saints 18 months ago.
But his time at Ibrox looks to be coming to an end after the Portuguese coach declared last month O’Halloran does not have what it takes to succeed at Rangers.
The wisdom of Caixinha’s comments have been questioned since, with some suggesting Gers will have trouble demanding their money back from St Johnstone now that O’Halloran has been dubbed surplus to requirements.
Caixinha, though, is happy with his handling of the situation.
He said: “What I said I repeat. I have just one word. I don’t say one thing one day and another the next. Ultimately he is our player and by the end we will be winning with that.
“I respect everybody’s opinion but I also have my own opinion. If I live by the opinion of the others, I should not be sat here. I have my own ideas, I think with my own head.
“One day if it’s another coach (in charge), he will work his own way. But for now it’s me, I will take the decisions and follow my methodology, which I strongly believe in.”
Caixinha missed out on signing Hearts winger Jamie Walker last week but did succeed with a deadline-day swoop for Cardiff left-back Declan John.
He will go straight into the Gers squad for their weekend duel with Neil McCann’s Dundee at Ibrox – and will be expected to push skipper Lee Wallace for a starting slot.
“If he wasn’t someone who can add a competitive streak to the squad, he would not be here,” said Caixinha. “When I speak about competitive, I mean someone who comes here as cover but knows he needs to work to get his chance and if he gets it, then proves himself.”
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