Former Rangers right-back Alan Hutton has hailed James Tavernier’s “incredible” contribution in the 3-1 Scottish League Cup win over Hearts.
Rangers skipper Tav, 31, was once again the hero for Rangers as he crashed home a penalty and stunning free-kick to prove the difference and reach the League Cup Final.
Netting his first from the penalty spot and his second from the edge of the box, these were goals 110 and 111 in a Rangers shirt.
The remarkable record has been hailed by Alan Hutton, who claims James Tavernier’s record blows his own at Rangers out of the water.
“I knew that was coming (being compared to James Tavernier),” Alan Hutton told Scottish League Cup sponsor ViaPlay Sports. “Every time we speak about it.
“But 111 goals from right back – it’s incredible. I run out out of things to say because y’ know, same position, so I watch him closely.
“Defensively, one-v-ones, over the years he’s got a lot better, but what he gives you going forward, and not just his goals, the assists as well; the numbers are incredible.
“I had four or five goals in my career, he’s got 111 for Rangers!”
Alan Hutton lauds “incredible” Rangers captain James Tavernier
It’s high praise indeed from Alan Hutton who is himself a former Rangers full-back who didn’t exactly do too badly at Ibrox.
Whilst Alan Hutton can’t boast the goalscoring exploits of James Tavernier, the former Rangers star did bank the club an astonishing £9m when he left for Spurs in 2008.
Also turning out for Sunderland, Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest, Mallorca and Bolton Wanderers, the former Scotland right-back carved out a solid career in the game.
But his goals return pales in comparison to James Tavernier who has Alan Hutton on toast when it comes to the running for the club’s greatest ever right-back.
The James Tavernier double was supplemented by a Scott Wright strike – before Lawrence Shankland pulled one back for Hearts – with Rangers booking their place in the League Cup Final v Aberdeen.
That match is set to take place on December 17th and represents a huge opportunity for Philippe Clement and Rangers to get their hands on the first silverware of the season.
Speaking of Alan Hutton, read about his post-match dressing down of Michael Stewart at Hampden.
