Rangers captain James Tavernier sent a rousing message to the club’s supporters in his programme notes as he previewed the match with Ross County.

It will be a year come March since the Ibrox skipper was lambasted by the Gers faithful for his timid notes in the pre-match programme for the 1-0 defeat to Hamilton.

Standard Liege vs Rangers - Europa League

Rangers captain James Tavernier has developed as a leader and a player this season. (Photo by Rico Brouwer/SNS Group via Getty Images)

Tavernier had claimed “whenever anybody puts a bit of pressure on us in Scotland or gets in our face it seems to affect us too much” [Twitter].

But the Ibrox skipper has bounced back this season despite the criticism from the last campaign and has been the leading light in a squad of them this season.

The Gers captain has not been without his critics but even the harshest of them must admit that the development Tavernier has taken on and off the pitch is to his immense credit.

Now standing in front of a Scottish Premiership title win which would cement him in Ibrox history, even Tavernier’s programme notes are more befitting of the title of Rangers captain.

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“Sunday’s draw brought to an end a run of 15 league victories on the bounce and our target as players now is to try to begin a new winning run to take us where we want to be in May,” said Tavernier [Twitter].

“Traditionally, we know this week of January is often the toughest for so many and this year, now we are back into a full lockdown, it will be particularly so.

“As professional sportsmen we are incredibly fortunate and privilege to be able to continue to attend our work every day but it is absolutely not a privilege we are taking for granted

“We continue to adhere strictly to the guidance issues by Drk Mark Waller, who has been fantastic in guiding us through this period and the changes as the season has progressed.

“We also remain fully aware that Rangers is giving so many of you an escape and something to look forward to at the end of a hard week.

Motherwell v Rangers - Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership

Rangers captain James Tavernier insists the club are taking Covid-19 protocols seriously as they know how much watching the Gers means to the support. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

“That is something we take very seriously and we are determined to continue to do you produ, particularly as the number of matches ramps up in the coming weeks.

“But if you are struggling, don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help whether that be from family, friends or one of the many fantastic organisations that are doing some sterling work through this challenging period.

“Enjoy the game today.”

The programme notes are perhaps a symbol of the mentality shift at Rangers this season and the club’s supporters lavished their captain with praise for the considered comments:

 

Rangers captain Tavernier will be hoping to get his side back to winning ways against the Staggies following last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Motherwell.

Here’s our predicted XI for the match as the Gers look to open up a 23-point lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership.

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