Halliday tells of aim to boost Boro
TEENAGE wing king Andy Halliday says he wants to help put Middlesbrough back in the big time after joining them from Livingston in a three-year deal worth up to £200,000.
The talented youngster, who was Livi's top scorer last season, attracted attention from the Old Firm and a host of clubs down south, including Premiership teams, but he has opted for Championship side Boro.
Despite admitting to being a Rangers fan, Halliday had nothing but praise for new boss Gordon Strachan, who managed Celtic to three successive SPL titles.
Halliday said: "This is a massive club that deserved to be in the Premier League. When I was growing up, they were always in the top flight and I want to play my part in helping them get back there.
"After training here for a week earlier in the season I knew I wanted to build my career here. The manager was so good. He took me into his office and, for the first half hour, just talked about my family and was so friendly.
"I know all about his record at Celtic and what he achieved for the club. He was the first manager to take Celtic into the Champions League (past the group stages) and helped them win the SPL title three years in a row.
"His pedigree as a manager is different class."
Strachan spoke of his delight at capturing Halliday saying: "He's costing us next to nothing and I am looking forward to working with him because he is hungry. You have to take wee gambles like this. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.
"Livingston have had some success with Graham Dorrans and Robert Snodgrass and hopefully he can be another good player coming from there.
"Andy came down to train with us recently and we liked what we saw."
Livingston chief executive Ged Nixon added: "Andrew has gone to Middlesbrough and we wish him all the best for the future."
Halliday was released by Rangers' youth academy and was given his debut for Livi in April 2008 by then manager Mark Proctor.
He later returned to Boro to look after the youth set-up and tipped Strachan off to Halliday's talents, in the same way he helped old friend Tony Mowbray secure the signature of Graham Dorrans for West Brom from Livi.
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Sunday 05 February 2012
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