James Tavernier and Borna Barisic might have been the Rangers pairing at full-back for five years now but their influence is still as important.
Under Giovanni van Bronckhorst, they were key components of the famous horsehoe attack and, for all that players might have changed around them, there is no escaping that Michael Beale sees them as being just as important.
The numbers for this season already point to more of the same with James Tavernier and Borna Barisic leading the way for Rangers.
Rangers still rely on Tavernier and Barisic
James Tavernier and Borna Barisic have both been linked with a possible departure this summer but remain first choice for the gaffer.
The Rangers skipper has three goals in six games whilst the Croatian international has four assists in six games.
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Seven goal contributions between two full backs in six games is an incredible return and continues to show Rangers reliance on the experienced pair.
Neither player are quite as dynamic as they used to be, however, it’s clear that they are still key components of Michael Beale’s master plan.
In Ridvan Yimaz and Dujon Sterling, the Rangers manager has two completely different players but both are capable of contributing in their own way.
Calls for Tavernier and Barisic to be replaced because of defensive frailties have to be balanced with what they continue to offer at the other end of the park.
What Beale has to establish is though, is what games that they can be rested or rotated because of the two we have sitting on the bench.
James Tavernier will always get himself into good positions and the one thing that Borna Barisic will guarantee is good delivery from open play for Rangers.
Having the right combination of players in front of them is the most important factor so that they aren’t isolated in defence and can still get over the half-way line.