Ally McCoist wants Rangers captain James Tavernier to sign a new contract in the summer.
But the Ibrox legend insists Tavernier faces showdown talks with the new Rangers manager in the summer over the skipper’s future.
Tavernier will mark his 10th anniversary as a Rangers player at the end of the season having made 505 appearances for the club, scoring 130 goals from right-back in the process.
The Englishman divides opinion amongst Rangers fans. He isn’t the best defender and has captained Rangers through a barren spell as far as winning trophies are concerned.
But his contributions and professionalism cannot be denied. And McCoist still thinks Tavernier has plenty more to give in Govan beyond 2026 when his contract runs out.
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Ally McCoist wants James Tavernier to stay at Rangers
McCoist understands that he’s been critical himself of Tavernier over the years, but that doesn’t change his desire for the Yorkshireman to stay at Rangers.
Speaking to the Daily Record, McCoist said: “Listen, Tavernier has been brilliant for Rangers. One or two people – including myself – have had a wee pop at some of the defensive stuff. That’s by the by because he’s been a fabulous servant to Rangers.
“His figures in forward areas are nothing short of remarkable. Whoever the new manager is, the first thing they’ve got to do is sit down with him and see what he wants to do.
“Who have we got that can play right-back? You’ve got to weigh up all these options as well. But first of all, you need to find out what he wants to do.
“If he wants to sign another contract, then there’s a discussion to be had. But if he decides he’s had enough and wants to try something else towards the end of his career, then that will be his priority and will be up to him to do that.
“I’d keep him, absolutely.”
Tavernier could develop into Rangers centre-back
Since the arrival of Barry Ferguson as Rangers interim manager, skipper Tavernier has been deployed as a centre-back at times.
We first saw this against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park in February when Clinton Nsiala was hooked at half-time, which saw Tavernier move inside alongside Robin Propper.
Rangers went on to win the game 4-2 having been 2-1 down at half-time. It was the case again against Motherwell and in the 3-1 away victory over Fenerbahce in the Europa League.
Tavernier struggles in 1v1 defensive situations, but as a right centre-back, he has the protection of the wing-back, which has usually been Ridvan Yilmaz.
Moreover, Tavernier isn’t getting any younger and will turn 34 in October. He’ll naturally lose pace as his career continues and that isn’t going to help as as conventional right-back.
His future as a centre-back, however, depends on who becomes the next Rangers manager. In fact, his future at Rangers as a whole is still at stake.
