James Tavernier has reached a “tipping point” in his Rangers career, according to Gary Keown.
The 32-year-old Gers captain has faced huge criticism this season and was hooked off by manager Philippe Clement just after the hour-mark in his side’s 4-1 defeat to Lyon in the Europa League on Thursday.Neraysho Kasanwirjo replaced Tavernier at right-back and Scottish Daily Mail columnist Keown believes it’s ripe time for the ex-Newcastle defender to leave Ibrox for good.
“Captain James Tavernier’s time at the club is over. He should have left in summer,” said Keown on the Daily Mail website (6 October).
“He gets ripped apart almost every time he faces Daizen Maeda and Celtic now. His second-half removal from the Lyon game for Neraysho Kasanwirjo was long overdue and that moment has to be a tipping point for a guy weeks away from turning 33.Kasanwirjo, of course, is a ready-made replacement, but what of Dujon Sterling? He was signed as a right back. On handing him a new long-term deal, Clement spoke of how he would benefit from a more regular run in the team.
“Well, here’s your chance with a 24-year-old, now on increased wages, that you are trying to develop into a sellable asset.”
