Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has heaped praise on Ibrox captain James Tavernier as the Gers skipper reaches the incredible milestone of 250 appearances for the club.
The longest-serving player in south Glasgow, Tavernier will make it a quarter millennium of appearances when he takes to the field against Dundee United this weekend.
The marauding right-back has come a long way from his debut in a 6-2 win against Hibs in the Scottish Challenge Cup way back in 2015.
Talking up the impact his captain has in the squad, Gerrard believes that Tavernier doesn’t get the credit he deserves from Rangers fans but has challenged the player to change that this season.
For the legendary former Liverpool skipper, this starts with a trophy.
“He is always available, he is very robust, and I think that goes to show that he is doing something right,” said Gerrard [RangersTV].
“To be available for every training session, every game, and to churn out the numbers from a physical point of view goes to show what type of player he is.
“I think Tav is someone that, when he goes through the gears, he is unstoppable. I think we have seen flashes of that so far this season and he is really close to being at his best.
“It is great for me to have him because I always know he is there for me.
“I don’t think he is your typical leader in terms of voice, but to have someone like Connor or Greegs behind him, I think they really compliment his leadership style.
“Tav is a huge player. He doesn’t get the credit he deserves, I don’t think, from our own supporters. I don’t think he gets the credit he deserves from outside.
“I think he needs to go and win something as a captain, as a leader, to really get the credit that he deserves.
“But to see him on a daily basis, I am certainly someone that really appreciates him for us.”
Gerrard’s comments also come after similar statements made by Tavernier’s ex-Rangers teammate Andy Halliday.
The diehard bluenose described the criticism of Tavernier as “ridiculous” adding that he believes Tavernier has “probably been Rangers’ best player over the last five years since he’s been at the football club” [Open Goal].
James Tavernier has established himself a vital part of the Rangers team ever since joining from Wigan under Mark Warburton in 2015.
As he approaches his milestone 250th game for the club it’s a chance to reflect on both his and Rangers’ progress over the years with the next step getting his hands on silverware for the club.
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