James Tavernier, Rangers badge, Celtic badgeJames Tavernier decision to be made ahead of Celtic v Rangers. Credit: Imago
Philippe Clement already backed to make James Tavernier decision ahead of Celtic v Rangers
Chris Jack believes Philippe Clement will stick with James Tavernier when Rangers face Celtic in the Scottish League Cup final in December.
The Old Firm rivals are set to go head-to-head at Hampden Park on Sunday 15 December, and the current Gers captain has often been criticised for his displays in important fixtures.
With Dujon Sterling returning from injury and Neraysho Kasanwirjo comfortable in the right-back position, Tavernier has been taken out of the starting XI on multiple occasions recently.
However, speaking via The Rangers Review YouTube channel [15 November], Jack shared if he believes Tavernier will start against Celtic: “Yes, as it’s Clement picking that side. I would be picking Dujon Sterling, I think many people would, but I think it will be Tavernier.
“It’s a big, big call for him not to. I think we will see a continuation of the rotation, with Tavernier starting on the bench more, but when it comes to the Celtic game in the final, and probably the game in January, it will be Tavernier.
MORE RANGERS STORIES
“There’s nothing to suggest that Clement would make that decision not to be Tavernier, even though it probably shouldn’t and history shows it probably shouldn’t.”
Should James Tavernier start for Rangers v Celtic?
In such an important clash against their Old Firm rivals, experience and knowledge would normally come before anything else, but Tavernier has failed to impress many fans this season.
The 33-year-old has been slated throughout the 2024/25 campaign, with many supporters at Ibrox regretting the club’s decision not to offload him during the summer transfer window.
Join the Ibrox News WhatsApp channel to get all our exclusives and the breaking transfer news FIRST.
Of course, the captain cannot be fully blamed for the side’s poor performances so far, but he is certainly part of the problem from right-back, as a player and as a leader.
James Tavernier
Rangers captain James Tavernier divides opinion [Credit: Imago]
There has been a clamour for Sterling to start ahead of him in the full-back position, something which seems to be finally getting through to Clement, but it is likely that the manager will revert back to the veteran when facing the Hoops.
That decision is bound to frustrate the majority of fans, with the right-back struggling to gain any real momentum on the pitch, but Clement will feel that he can trust the player in a cup final.
In other Rangers news, the club have shown no inclination to extend the deal of a player whose contract runs out in 2026.
For more Rangers news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.
Related Topics
celtic
james tavernier
Philippe Clement
Rangers
Scottish League Cup
Related Posts
More in News
More in News
About
The Team
Editorial Policy
Privacy Policy
Contact
Privacy Settings
Breaking Media Ltd
1 The Green,
Richmond,
Surrey, TW9 1PL
Company number: 09336548
