James McFadden has issued his verdict on Rangers defender James Tavernier after what he noticed this week.
Rangers beat Kilmarnock 5-1, but as is usually the case, there were plenty of talking points from the game that saw Danny Rohl’s side close the gap at the top of the SPFL table to three points.
They take on the league leaders on 15 February at Ibrox and Rohl will expect his side to pick up maximum points and head to the summit of the Scottish Premiership.
James McFadden believes James Tavernier got lucky after what he did
Tavernier started the game, scored a goal and was taken off in the 60th minute for Max Aarons.
It was an impressive performance from the Englishman, who even at 34, continues to make a case for being a first-team regular at the Ibrox outfit.
However, McFadden believes that the right-back was lucky not to be shown a red card against Kilmarnock.
Tavernier was let off for making what seemed to be a last-man challenge on Tyreece John-Jules.
With him already on a yellow card, referee David Dickinson gave a free kick against the Gers captain, but did not reach to his pocket for a second suspension.
VAR, who were only allowed to intervene for a direct red card offence, believed that there was not enough in it to send off Tavernier.
McFadden told Open Goal: “I think it should have been a red card. He was on a yellow. He puts his arm across to stop him.
“I don’t think he pulls him, but he’s lucky.
“If he was sent off in that, he could have no complaints about it.”
What does the future hold for Tavernier at Rangers?
Tavernier’s contract at Ibrox runs out at the end of the season, but he seems to be showing no signs of slowing down.
Despite Aarons and Dujon Sterling competing for the right-back spot, he has made 24 appearances in 25 league games this season.
His output has also been decent, scoring seven goals and providing three assists for a side that has struggled to find rhythm in the final third.
There is a possibility that he is handed a one-year extension close to the end of the season, which could trigger the option of another year based on how many appearances he makes next season.
Even if he is not a regular for the 2026/27 campaign, it does make a lot of sense having his presence inside the dressing room.
