Rangers captain James Tavernier has sent out an encouraging response to transfer speculation linking him with Newcastle United.
But whilst Rangers’ star man admitted he is here to win trophies, he also acknowledged anything can happen in football.
You get the feeling the flying 27-year-old wingback has unfinished business at Ibrox this season.
“It’s been four years now and the lack of silverware has been disappointing,” said Tavernier, as quoted by the Herald.
“The reason I came to Rangers was to win trophies. The squad has improved from last season, I’m more than excited to play in this campaign, and hopefully, we can bring silverware home this season.
“Being captain, winning a trophy would be the next step for me. I really wanted that as a player, even more now as a captain. It’s been a long time coming – hopefully we can now do that.”
That really suggests that the player is focussed on Ibrox and making a success at Rangers. Sentiments which will be music to the ears of Rangers fans everywhere.
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But he is determined to repay the club which took a chance on the player for £100k from Wigan four years ago this month.
“It’s a compliment [transfer interest],” said Tavernier.
“I see it [the speculation] but all my emphasis is on Rangers. Things can happen in football, of course, but I’m looking forward to this season. It’s all speculation. If it stays like that then I don’t get upset about it. I’m fully focussed on the job here.
“I have always believed in my quality, even when I was younger. With the clubs I was at, Newcastle and Wigan, it didn’t work out for me. Rangers gave me a chance. The club have shown faith in me.
“I have been trying to repay that favour ever since which means working harder, getting better and better.
“I love my football here, my family is settled, I’m in a great place at the moment. Whatever happens, happens. I’m just focussing on Rangers.”
It’s incredibly refreshing to hear this from the Rangers captain James Tavernier. It’s not the first team Tav has seemed to reiterate his passion for the club either.
Unless there are any concrete bids lodged, there’s really nothing to worry about. Tavernier is in no rush to go anywhere.
And say one does come in from Newcastle, given the backdrop of events this week Rangers would do well to hold them to ransom.
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