James Tavernier to be ‘fed up’ with Rangers fans despite Europa League win v Malmo

Hugh Keevins has suggested that James Tavernier will be “fed up” with supporters calling for him to be dropped from Rangers’ starting XI.

 

The Englishman started and impressed as the Light Blues kicked their Europa League campaign off with a 2-0 win over Malmo on Thursday (26 September) thanks to goals from Nedim Bajrami and Ross McCausland.

Even though the Gers managed to keep a clean sheet in Sweden, some fans were quick to suggest Dujon Sterling should have played ahead of Tavernier, much to the frustration of Daily Record journalist Keevins.

 

Speaking on Clyde 1 Superscoreboard (27 September) he said: “Tavernier must get fed up with people waiting him out of the side.

 

“What more can the man do? He even rose above the nonsense that took place after the Celtic game of people outside Ibrox hurling abuse at him.

“He’s led from the front with Rangers last night.”

 

Will James Tavernier exit Rangers amid Ibrox transfer rumours?

While supporters are well within their rights to criticise Tavernier and his Gers teammates when they’re not at the races, it seems harsh that the Englishman is still being slammed after such an impressive European win.

The 32-year-old might not have gotten on the scoresheet against Malmo, but he did play his role in the win and clean sheet and that does deserve credit.

Is he the perfect defender? No. Should he start week in and week out? No. Does he still have an important role to play as the Light Blues look to compete both domestically and in Europe? Absolutely he does.

There will be games where Sterling should start ahead of the Light Blues skipper and hopefully in those matches Clement will be brave enough to drop his captain, but it does feel as though he has become a bit of a scapegoat.