'Expect to see...' - Chris Jack claims Rangers have Tavernier replacement plan ready

Dujon Sterling will be given the Rangers right-back role if captain James Tavernier leaves this summer, according to Chris Jack.

The Rangers Review journalist wrote for the outlet’s website on 17 June that fans should “expect to see” the former Chelsea man slot in on the right of the Light Blues backline, as he suggested it would be a “tall order” for homegrown Adam Devine to secure himself even the back-up position at this stage.

Sterling arrived from Stamford Bridge on a free transfer a year ago having primarily been a right-back during loans with Stoke, Blackpool, Wigan and Coventry, but was used in multiple other positions by Philippe Clement, including central midfield, left-back, centre-back and as an attacking winger.

Tavernier has again been linked to Ibrox exit this summer, with two former managers in Steven Gerrard at Al-Ettifaq [Daily Record, 24 April] and Giovanni van Bronckhorst at Besiktas [Sozcu, 9 June] said to be interested in signing him.

Dujon Sterling is Rangers captain’s heir apparent at Ibrox

Of the current squad there is little else on offer to fill what would be a substantial gap left behind if Tavernier does move on.

Sterling impressed last season once he finally broke through, having been largely ignored by the man who signed him in Michael Beale, and appears to be the sort of all-round player who can do a job anywhere.

Unless Rangers signed a new right-back, and there has been some interest in Arsenal youngster Reuell Walters [Daily Record, 4 June], it would seem safest for now to hand the job to Sterling.

But that would prevent Clement from being able to use the 24-year-old in central midfield where he looked most effective last term, and where his influence was missed late in the campaign as he was forced to fill in for the injured Ridvan Yilmaz on the left of the defence.

Either way, if Tavernier moves on and Sterling gets the chance to step in the Gers are going to need to find a way to replace the incredible attacking output their captain has produced for years.

Sterling simply doesn’t have a comparable record in terms of goals and assists, although no British defender in history can claim to, so the chances are that attacking recruits this summer would need to step up in a big way if the captain leaves following 125 goals and 129 assists for the club.

In other Rangers news, a transfer update has emerged with the Light Blues engaged in talks to sign one of the “brightest talents in the game”.

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.

The post 'Expect to see...' - Chris Jack claims Rangers have Tavernier replacement plan ready appeared first on Ibrox News.