MICHAEL O’HALLORAN admits he was surprised to be given the nod against St Johnstone after a frustrating start to the season at Ibrox.

The forward has struggled for first team action this term as he has been forced to settle for a handful of substitute appearances in the Premiership.

O’Halloran was one of the few positives for boss Mark Warburton as the Gers dropped another two points as they were held at home by the Saints.

He said: “It was disappointing to lose the early goal but we were decent in the first half and kicked on and did well to get the equaliser to get us back in the game.

“But as the manager said it was below par in the second half and we were disappointed at the end. We scored the equaliser so late in the first half that the break maybe stopped us getting a bit of momentum.

“We’ll need to analyse it because it’s not accepted and we’re thoroughly disappointed not to have picked up all three points. On a personal level I was surprised to see my name on the team sheet.

“We are 10 games into the league campaign and that’s my first start so it was a surprise but I was delighted and it was just nice to get out there and play a 90-minute game of football again and enjoy myself in front of a full house at Ibrox.

“I’ve never asked the manager whey I haven’t been in the team. You would need to ask him the reasons.

“Of course, it was disappointing not to get the result but nice to play again. Any player will tell you it’s not nice to sit on the bench - you want to play.

“I joined Rangers to play and I can only work hard in training every day but the manager picks the team so you’ll need to ask him why I’m not being picked.

“I felt I did reasonably well in the game. It’s been a while since I played so I was just happy to play again.”