Former Rangers skipper Lee McCulloch has expressed support for the man currently wearing the armband, in his Evening Times column.
Tavernier is often subject to criticism from the club’s fans despite his incredible stats this season.
On Sunday, it was his errand pass which let Celtic in to score the winning goal.
However, McCulloch believes the £1.8 million-rated right-back [Transfermarkt] isn’t to blame for current woes.
“When the team got beat or dropped points, the man with the armband always gets it from fans”, he wrote in the Evening Times.
“In my experience of the club, the captain is liable and the comments towards them are always the same. People say you aren’t a leader, that you don’t communicate, that you don’t want it or show enough passion.
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“That criticism has been directed at James Tavernier again after the Celtic game but I thought he played well at Parkhead and it was probably one of his better Old Firm performances.
“I know he made the mistake for the winner and he will be gutted at that. But he has been really steady this season, he has a good goal return and Steven Gerrard must trust him if he leads the team out every week.”
He also went on to argue that claims the 27-year-old can’t defend are a ‘myth’ and that he never hides after making an error.
Verdict
McCulloch’s criticism of the Andy Halliday [Evening Times] after the Old Firm fracas, was bizarre.
However, this time I think he’s got it spot on.
There’s no doubt Tav’s mistake cost Rangers at the weekend. But, up until that point I thought he was excellent.
With backs against the wall down to ten men, he stood up defensively and continued to drive the Gers forward in attack.
After all, it was his link up with Daniel Candeias that fed Ryan Kent for the equaliser.
As for the captaincy, I don’t see too many other outstanding candidates right now.
People will argue Allan McGregor, but his hotheadedness isn’t conducive to leadership and I’ve never quite followed the idea of a keeper having the armband.
Tavernier is the best option and almost skippered the Gers from adversity to an outstanding point at Parkhead.
Not that that will be much consolation to the man himself, following his error.
