Mark Warburton: Andy Halliday is leading the way on and off the park at Rangers

The 24-year-old has once again established himself as an integral part of Warburton’s plans this term after an impressive debut campaign for his boyhood heroes.

He has become a firm favourite with the Light Blue legions and netted three goals in his last three outings as Rangers bid to recover from a poor start to the season.

Read more: Derek Johnstone: Mark Warburton faces a big call over Joey Barton's Rangers future

And boss Warburton is delighted to have the midfielder at the heart of his squad as he strives for improvement in the Premiership.

He said: “I look at Andy Halliday and the way he conducts himself on the field but also off the field.

“I have watched what he does, how he handles himself, talking in the Q&A to the Club members or whatever it may be and his passion for the club is evident.

Read more: Derek Johnstone: Mark Warburton faces a big call over Joey Barton's Rangers future

“That is the given part of it but it is the way he talks to people. There are no egos, there are no airs and graces. Andy just says it as it is in a really respectful way.

“I have got a lot of time for Andy and the way he conducts himself off the field. On the field, his passion for the game, his desire for the game, his privilege of wearing the shirt is evident.

“When he was made captain, he showed his response but it was important not to just have that one performance. It was important for him to show a level of consistency and he is doing that now.

“He is leading by example, he is getting forward, he is scoring goals, he is screening the defenders really well and getting around the pitch learning how to dominate a game of football.

“Delighted for Andy and delighted with his contribution. He knows his challenge is to keep on moving forward and he is getting better each week.”

After missing out on a start in the first Old Firm showdown of the season, Halliday has arguably been Rangers’ top performer in recent weeks.

And boss Warburton reckons the lifelong Light Blue is an example for his Gers squad follow in the coming months.

“He has said himself that if he wasn’t playing he would be in the crowd singing,” he told RangersTV.

Read more: Derek Johnstone: Mark Warburton faces a big call over Joey Barton's Rangers future

“There is no doubt about his passion and his family come to all the games. That is fantastic.

“That is nice, but he has got to deliver on the pitch and he is doing that with a real pride and an evident work ethic, commitment and desire.

“Even though he is one of the younger players, he can still be a great example. This is what the fans deserve, this is what the fans expect, this is how you respond, this is what you have to deliver.

“A lot can be learned about the way that Andy Halliday is handling himself both on and off the pitch.”