Defiant James Tavernier disagrees with Philippe Clement and drops Rangers testimonial hint.
Rangers captain James Tavernier thinks he is as fit as ever and does not need his minutes controlled at Ibrox, despite Philippe Clement’s claims.
In Rangers’ 1-0 victory over St Johnstone, the 33-year-old skipper made an important contribution by forcing Jason Holt into an own goal.
However, James Tavernier has recently been recalled to the Rangers team after being replaced by Dujon Sterling.
Tavernier’s role at Rangers has been called into question, with Philippe Clement stating after the game that the right-back’s minutes should be monitored.
“I’m convinced about that, yes,” Clement said when questioned about managing Tav’s minutes after the win over St Johnstone. “Is the player pleased with that? Probably not.
“Nobody is if they aren’t playing, but that’s the nature of football.
“I was fortunate that it didn’t happen to me too much because I was a centre-back.
“That’s unique, but it’s part of football. And it is becoming increasingly common in modern football.
“And this will be the most games ever played in such a short period of time. So we will need this rotation, and everyone will be pleased in that way.”
Although Tavernier hinted at an end-of-season testimonial, the Rangers captain remains steadfast in his commitment to working hard and remaining professional for the squad.
Rangers have dropped James Tavernier
“I don’t see my age being a problem,” Tavernier told Clyde SSB. “I suppose three months ago I missed one game.
“So, nothing has actually changed. Okay, I’ve gotten a year older, but I’m still in better shape than ever to play every game.
“It’s certainly new and uncommon, but it’s up to me to be absolutely professional, keep working really hard, and try to be a leader behind the scenes at the training field, pushing the youngsters on.
“Anyone who is asked to wear the shirt in the starting XI has to perform, so it’s clearly different.
“I’m used to playing three games every week; it’s what I really enjoy doing. It’s what I’ve grown accustomed to for many years.
“The metrics and figures I put in are still right up there, so it’s just a matter of me continuing to work hard and performing well when called upon.
“You definitely want to play every single game; it is in your nature to do so.
“But there’s a level of you’ve got to be professional and really help the team when you’re not (playing) and when asked to play you’ve got to make an impact.”
Rangers captain’s eyes Ibrox testimonial
James Tavernier has mentioned the idea of a Rangers testimonial at the conclusion of season.
The Ibrox right-back has spent the majority of his career with the Gers and is currently in his eighth season, a rollercoaster ride in Glasgow.
There have been huge highs and catastrophic lows, but Tavernier has remained consistent throughout.
When asked about a prospective testimonial after the game, Tavernier intimated that a unique one-off match is in the works.
“If I complete this season then (a testimonial) is on the cards,” Tavernier added. “It’s unusual these days for testimonials and players to stay at a club for so long.
“So yeah, we’ll just have to wait and see.”
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