James Tavernier insists he can still play in every Rangers game.
The Ibrox captain has been in and out of the team this season as manager Philippe Clement rotates his side between domestic and European games and tries to manage the load of the 33-year-old.
The manager insisted he was “convinced” that was required but a defiant Tavernier disagreed and says he’s still fit enough to play every week.
But he has remained professional and explained how he will continue to do his job when called upon.
That was the case when he was recalled to the XI on Saturday – heavily involved in the winning goal as he put pressure on Jason Holt who turned into his own net.
And Rangers News handed him an 8/10 in our match ratings from the St Johnstone game.
Alan Hutton would have been fuming in same Rangers situation
As a right-back, there were some similarities between Alan Hutton and James Tavernier.
The Rangers academy graduate was a marauding full-back who loved to get forward and involved in the attacks, although he didn’t post the same sort of goal contributions as the Englishman.
Another area where they differ is Tavernier’s professional handling of his current situation as Hutton admits he would have dealt with it differently.
Speaking on Premier Sports’ Scottish Football Social Club, he explained: “I can only speak from my experiences and I know I could be a bit of a hothead at times. It wouldn’t have sat pretty with me if I’m being totally open and honest.
“So the way he has conducted himself I think has been excellent. He’s been the go-to guy for a number of years for goals and assists.
“So to get to the age that he’s at, chopping and changing and his performances aren’t at the level he showed previously.
“But he’s stayed professional, he’s working hard and when the opportunity comes you’ve got to take it.
“It wasn’t his goal but he was in the right place at the right time to put the pressure on Holt.
“He’s conducted himself well and that’s all he can continue to do.”
Asked directly what he would have done, the pundit went on: “I would have went absolutely ballistic. I’d have been chapping the door every two minutes.
“But I’d have known that my performances weren’t at the level because you know yourself when you’re not playing as well as you can. So he obviously knows that.
“He can sense it coming, there’s a change. You’re getting pressure from the likes of Sterling, Kasanwirjo at the time as well.
“But it still wouldn’t have sat well with me, I’d have still been raging.”
Will Rangers look to sign a right-back?
Rangers have a number of positions they may look to strengthen in January – including centre-back after recent developments.
What about right-back?
Clement clearly feels Tavernier can’t play every week and one of the alternatives Neraysho Kasanwirjo has been sent back to parent club Feyenoord after a serious injury.
Dujon Sterling is another who has had niggling injuries and was missing from the squad against St Johnstone.
Could that mean the manager will look to add in that area? It’s a possibility although it’s unlikely to be a priority with the captain and Sterling both still there.
What is more likely is right-back being a position earmarked to be looked at in the summer.
