Bill Leckie: Philippe Clement now sees Rangers star as part of the problem at Ibrox

Bill Leckie believes that Philippe Clement sees James Tavernier as part of the problem more than part of the solution.

The club captain was left out of the starting eleven in a high-stakes Europa League clash against Olympiacos on 7 November.

Gers came back with a point after playing a 1-1 draw and Tavernier was brought off the bench in the last five minutes of regulation time.

Leckie, a Scottish Sun journalist, wrote on 7 November: “Suddenly, a man who’d lifted the Premiership trophy and the Scottish Cup, a man who’d done more than anyone else to drag his club to a European final, found himself relegated to third-choice right-back.

“And that’s in a struggling side to boot. What does that tell him? What does it tell anyone?

“Surely that Clement sees him as part of the problem more than he is part of the solution.

“Sterling has earned himself a contract extension until 2028. Kasanwirjo looks stronger and more mobile with every run-out. They’re the future. Tavernier, rightly or wrongly, like it or not, appears to be the past.”

James Tavernier is expected to be slowly eased out by Rangers

The decision to bench Tavernier against Olympiacos, opting for the likes of Sterling and Kasanwirjo, indicates a strategic shift by Clement.

Despite his historical contributions, including leading the team to significant victories, the 33-year-old now seems to embody the past rather than the future of the club.

His being dropped to the bench suggests that the Belgian views him as more of a hindrance than an asset in the team’s current setup.

Sterling, with his recent contract extension and Kasanwirjo, who has impressed since moving to Ibrox, represent the youthful vigour and tactical adaptability Rangers are moving towards.

Clement is also not here to pick favourites as he needs to select the best players who can deliver for the team.

With his job on the line, he’s got to be ruthless and make certain calls that would seem radical or he may soon be out of a job.

In other Rangers news, a billionaire-owned agency has issued an update on collaborating with the Ibrox outfit.

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