Pundits reckon James Tavernier is back to his best and name Rangers teammate ‘hitting top form’

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Rangers have now won four league games in a row and are technically unbeaten in 11 matches.

Obviously the Premier Sports Cup final ended in disappointment but that was a draw in 90 minutes as Philippe Clement’s side show massive improvements both in results and performance.

Yesterday’s win over Dundee was narrow in scoreline but it was another deserved three points with goalscorer Vaclav Cerny, Ianis Hagi and James Tavernier among those who impressed.

Indeed, Hagi has already been praised for his display with Neil McCann insisting he has “reinvigorated Rangers” with his return to the side also benefiting Nedim Bajrami.

Clement has admitted one Gers tactical mistake but on the whole it was another positive afternoon.

The clean sheet against Dundee meant it was the first time Rangers have kept four in a row in the Premiership since 2021.

And it is not just Hagi winning plaudits.

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Tavernier back on form for Rangers

Tavernier has had his doubters at Ibrox for years but it really seemed to hit fever pitch this season as the captain bore the brunt of frustrations around team performance.

And he has even been in and out of the side as the manager rotates things and tries to save his legs.

But Tavernier has been starting more games currently due to injuries to Neryasho Kasanwirjo and Dujon Sterling, although Sterling was back in the side with Clement explaining why.

And he may just be getting back to the free-flowing, goalscoring and assisting full-back he always was.

McCann certainly thinks so.

He told BBC Scotland’s Sportscene: “I felt Rangers deserved their three points today. I wondered how Rangers would come back from the cup final, there was a lot of talk about the non-penalty.

“I wondered ‘would there be a hangover in terms of attitude?’ But I thought their attitude was first class.

“Lots of players starting to pick up gears. Cerny looks a real threat. I thought James Tavernier today, his position was so high, definitely getting back to where he was.

“Whether that’s by design or by accident with Sterling getting an injury, he’s showing the player he was and still is, I believe.”

Vaclav Cerny hitting top Rangers form

Cerny scored the only goal of the game to hand the Light Blues the three points, racing clear of the Dundee defence on a breakaway before rounding Trevor Carson.

The Czech winger’s output this season has been top and that was his 10th goal to add to six assists.

James McFadden reckons he is now “hitting top form” which would be encouraging if it means Cerny has only been getting started.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
1	CelticCeltic	16	14	2	0	44	4	40	44
2	RangersRangers	16	11	2	3	28	9	19	35
3	AberdeenAberdeen	17	10	4	3	31	21	10	34

Talking about Dundee’s approach, he said: “In the second half, I think the message must have been he’s looking for more going forward, a bit more bravery which you need.

“And you can see Dundee are then committing bodies forward. In the same shape but maybe not as deep.

“You talk about being brave, it’s a great pass, great first touch from Tiffoney. Second touch isn’t great. But when you commit so many bodies forward you leave yourself exposed.

“Cerny is starting to really hit top form for Rangers.”