Rangers matchwinner Danilo reserved praise for the ‘brilliant’ James Tavernier after the Ibrox captain scored one and set up the other in Sunday’s stunning comeback victory over Hearts.
They say you cannot keep a good man down, and Steven Naismith’s visitors found that out the hard way after James Tavernier stuck a penalty against the base of the post in the first half of an enthralling Scottish Premiership clash.
If Hearts got away with that, then lightning was never going to strike twice.
The Rangers skipper had missed only 14 of 68 career spot-kicks. And – after the hosts were awarded a second penalty in the 90th minute – Tavernier quickly recalibrated his sights and drew Philippe Clement’s side level, setting up Danilo’s winner with a sumptuous cross just moments later.
James Tavernier shines as Rangers beat Hearts
“The spirit of the group is great. We’re just try to keep making each other feel positive. You know, with our qualities, we can make it happen,” Danilo beams, speaking to Rangers Review after thumping a 93rd minute header into the back of the Hearts net and tossing his face mask into the late-October sky.
“I think Tavernier today did a brilliant job. He scored the penalty and gave the final assist for my header.”
The veteran full-back, after struggling in a new-look wing-back role in the 0-0 draw at Sparta Prague in midweek, was back in his favoured position against Hearts. Reaching double figures for goals and assists after just 18 appearances this season.
The gap between Rangers and Old Firm rivals Celtic at the top of the table, meanwhile, now stands at just five points.
‘The group is amazing’
“The mentality of the group is great,” adds Danilo, who now has three goals in his last seven appearances. “We’re just trying to keep that belief in each other, no matter who starts and who is on the bench. The group is amazing.
“The gaffer told us at half-time that if we keep believing in ourselves, we can do it. We thank the fans for staying behind us too. They kept pushing us on and thankfully we did it for them.”
Rangers now travel to Dundee on Wednesday night.
