Rangers captain James Tavernier will be leading the Ibrox team out at Hampden to face Celtic in an Old Firm Premier Sports Cup Final.
The Ibrox defender, 33, has found himself the subject of heavy criticism for his performances in recent Old Firm matches.
With James Tavernier struggling against Celtic forward Daizen Maeda, the Rangers captain will once again face off against his familiar Old Firm foe.
It’s a bold decision from Philippe Clement and one the Ibrox manager need to hope doesn’t come back to bite him as the battle fever descends on Hampden.
Rangers fans express James Tavernier concerns
Rangers fans have had plenty to say about the inclusion of James Tavernier against Celtic.
Taking to social media platform X, there’s been plenty of scrutiny heaped on Philippe Clement and Rangers fans have shone a spotlight on the decision.
One Rangers fan said that the decision could be Clement’s ‘downfall’ with some serious nerves amongst the Ibrox supporters when it comes to the captain.
Another supportER claims that James Tavernier v Daizen Maeda gives him the ‘fear’, something echoed by plenty online.
Others have taken a more positive approach, and insist it’s an opportunity for resurgent captain Tavernier to earn some ‘redemption’ in the fixture.
Rangers captain has chance to prove Celtic doubters wrong
James Tavernier is the Rangers captain and has battled back into the side after being dropped by Philippe Clement earlier in the season.
Rangers have it all to prove at Hampden and by proxy so does the club’s on-pitch leader.
We get the feeling that a lot of the hot air about James Tavernier concerns the usual pre-match nerves but the Rangers captain really is in the limelight today.
It’s a potentially make or break game in the hearts and minds of supporters, but both the Rangers right-back and Philippe Clement have shown major courage to go ahead with this selection.
It’s a chance for the Rangers skipper to earn his redemption and it’s all eyes on Hampden as the Premier Sports Cup Final prepares to kick off.
