Defiant Rangers captain James Tavernier insists he is as fit as ever and doesn’t need his minutes managed at Ibrox – despite Philippe Clement saying otherwise.
The Rangers skipper, 33, played a crucial role in the 1-0 win over St Johnstone, arriving at the back post to force Jason Holt into an own goal in the decisive moment of the game.
But James Tavernier had only just been recalled to the Rangers team after being dropped for Dujon Sterling in recent matches.
The situation has brought into question Tavernier’s role at Rangers with Philippe Clement claiming after the game that the right-back’s minutes need managed.
”I’m convinced about that, yes,” said Clement when asked about managing Tav’s minutes after the win over St Johnstone. “Is the player happy with that? Probably not.
“Like nobody is if they’re not playing, but that’s part of football.
“I had the luck that it didn’t happen too much with me because I was a centre-back.
“That’s different, but it’s part of football. And for sure in modern football, you see it more and more.
“And this season will be the season with the most amount of games ever in a short period. So we will need this rotation and everybody to be happy in that way.”
But the Rangers captain certainly doesn’t agree even if Tavernier – who dropped a hint about an end of season testimonial – is determined to just work hard and stay professional for the team.
James Tavernier on being dropped by Rangers
“I don’t see my age being a problem,” Tavernier told Clyde SSB. “I think three months ago I missed one game.
”So nothing’s really changed. OK I’ve gone up one number in my age but I still feel fitter than ever to play every single game.
”It’s obviously different, it’s unusual, but it’s down to me to be really professional and keep working really hard and try to be a leader behind the scenes at the training ground and really push the boys on.
”Anyone who’s asked to put on the shirt in the starting XI have got to perform so yeah, it’s obviously different.
”I’m used to playing three games a week, that’s what I really love to do. It’s what I’ve been used to for so many years.
”The stats and the numbers I put in are still right up there so yeah, it’s just about me continuing to work hard and when asked to play, deliver a performance.
”You obviously want to be playing every single game, that’s just in your nature, you want to play every single game.
“But there’s a level of you’ve got to be professional and really help the team when you’re not (playing) and when asked to play you’ve got to make an impact.”
Rangers captain eyes Ibrox testimonial
James Tavernier has also been discussing the possibility of a Rangers testimonial come the end of the season.
The Ibrox right-back has given the bulk of his career to the Gers and is now in his tenth season of a rollercoaster stint in Glasgow.
There have been monumental highs and devastating lows, but Tavernier has been the one constant throughout.
Speaking about a potential testimonial come the final whistle, Tavernier hinted that a special one-off match is in the post.
”If I complete this season then (a testimonial) is on the cards,” said Tavernier. “It’s very unusual these days for testimonials and players being at a club for so long.
”So yeah, we’ll just have to wait and see.”
