Thursday 7 September 2017 22:53, UK
Pedro Caixinha is praying Ibrox outcast Michael O'Halloran can keep finding the net for St Johnstone - as it will mean he will be able to cash in on the striker in the future.
O'Halloran has been sent back to St Johnstone on loan after being told he is no longer part of Caxinha's plans, prompting the striker - who has netted four goals in five games back in Perth - to question the Portuguese's training methods.
Caixinha said: "I need to be pleased for him and also for Tommy (Wright) because they won the player and the manager of the month awards.
"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."
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 the match 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," Caixinha said.
"The match rhythm is a different thing. But he and Aaron Nemane, who were the two who arrived late, they are pacy footballers and players with energy, so it's just a question of getting the rhythm. But if they need to play they are able to play any time."
