Rangers defender James Tavernier has been hailed by pundit Willie Miller after scoring the winner in the Viaplay Cup final against Aberdeen.
It’s party time in Glasgow tonight as Rangers have secured the first piece of silverware of the Philippe Clement era.
Rangers beat Aberdeen 1-0 in the Viaplay Cup final this afternoon, taking the trophy home from Hampden Park.
This wasn’t a classic and Rangers will certainly play better between now and the end of the season.
The result was all that mattered today though and Rangers secured it with James Tavernier pouncing to fire home the winner in the second half.
Willie Miller praises James Tavernier as Rangers secure Viaplay Cup final win
Borna Barisic beat his man down the Rangers left flank before sending a deep cross into the box, which Tavernier converted to spark wild scenes.
The Clement era is going unbelievably well; the Belgian still hasn’t lost a single game as Rangers boss and now has his first trophy secured.
Rangers needed a big moment in this game in order to break down Aberdeen and it was fitting that captain Tavernier was the man to provide it.
The 32-year-old has now racked up 115 goals and 122 assists in 431 games for Rangers, boasting a frankly ridiculous record from right back.
Today’s goal even earned praise from an Aberdeen icon in Willie Miller, who has been speaking to BBC Sport this afternoon.
Miller suggested that Tavernier is an ‘incredible human being’ having got into the box to score from his right back position.
Miller also praised left back Barisic for a ‘magnificent’ assist, but it was Tavernier who really grabbed his attention.
“He’s an incredible human being, isn’t he? He’s a full-back, not a wing-back, and he’s up there to latch on,” said Miller. “It’s a magnificent cross from Barisic as well, the full-backs combining. He scissor kicks it into the ground, Kelle Roos has no chance as it rattles in,” he added.
Tavernier record v Aberdeen just gets better and better
Tavernier has now played 32 times against Aberdeen, winning 18 and losing just seven.
14 goals have come from the Rangers right back in those games, whilst he has also added six assists.
That leaves Aberdeen as the number one team in terms of goals Tavernier has scored against in a Rangers shirt.
Hibernian are second having conceded eight goals to Tavernier, but that’s still nowhere near the 14 against Aberdeen.
Add in the trophy that came with today’s goal and Tavernier will certainly love facing the Dons.
