When James Tavernier faced the media a couple of weeks ago, the line of questioning coming the way of the Rangers captain could scarcely have come as a surprise.Across nine full seasons with the Ibrox club, the right-back’s contribution in an offensive capacity always counter-balanced his shortcomings as a defender.
In only three terms in Glasgow has he failed to reach double figures of goals. He managed 24 last season — his best yet — to move on to 125 for the club.
Many a centre-forward would look upon such a return with envy. When you do it as a full-back, they etch your name in a Hall of Fame.
Tavernier’s only crime has been to get older. Now aged 33, it’s hardly his fault that he can’t charge up and down the right flank as he once could. In the professional game, a minor drop off is ruthlessly exposed.
With just one goal across all competitions this season, Tavernier’s assertion that his form had been ‘pretty good this season’ was fooling no one.
