Rangers captain James Tavernier has sent a defiant message to his detractors at Rangers and claims he is prepared to shoulder the responsibility to turn his form around.
The flying wing-back has come under fire this season for a string of high-profile mistakes and a lower level of influence in matches.
Fans have berated Tavernier for mistakes against Young Boys, Hearts and from the penalty spot this season. Captain Tav says there’s no time to let it affect him.
“There is no time to feel down. I am captain of the club, the gaffer gave me that responsibility and I have got to lead by example,” said Tavernier [Daily Record].
“I can’t be leading by example if I am not showing up and not being strong and being positive with the boys.
“The gaffer and the staff have got belief in me and I have to repay them, the boys and obviously the fans.
“That is part of football and you are always going to get criticism. I am a big enough character to deal with it and I know how to deal with it.
“You are going to expect it when you make mistakes. I am human and I will learn from it and I will come back even stronger. It only thrives me on and makes me stronger and makes me better.”
For anyone doubting Tav as a Rangers captain, they only need look at the man’s response here.
Some of the stuff put to Tavernier has been nothing short of disgraceful and over the last week, we’re at a turning point as a fan group.
Yes, we’re starved of success and the nervousness over this season is palpable. But we win together, and we lose together, and that mentality will be the only thing that brings us those trophies.
Even Steven Gerrard has been left frustrated with the attitude of some supporters [RangersTV].
Going forward, we either need to back the captain or get off his back.
