Former Rangers midfielder Andy Halliday has expressed his surprise that Emmanuel Fernandez did not find the net during the club’s Scottish Cup clash with Celtic, a match that ultimately ended 0–0 after extra time before Celtic won 4–2 on penalties.

The opportunity came during the Scottish Cup quarter-final meeting between the Glasgow rivals at Ibrox Stadium on Sunday. Fernandez had a clear opportunity from close range during the tightly contested encounter, but the defender was unable to convert the chance.

Reacting to the moment while speaking on BBC Sportsound, Halliday admitted he expected the ball to end up in the back of the net.

“I can't believe the ball's not hit the back of the net,” Halliday said on BBC Sportsound while discussing the Rangers defender’s chance.

The former Rangers midfielder added that the situation appeared ideal for Fernandez to score, given the space and position he had in front of goal.

“It's a free header from Fernandez, you're expecting him to do better. You're just waiting for the net to ripple,” Halliday said.

Fernandez  is a dual-national defender eligible to represent both England and Nigeria at international level.

The centre-back has committed his international future to the Super Eagles and he's hoping to be included in the squad for Nigeria’s upcoming international friendly against Jordan scheduled for March.

Wale Adejumo