'Got to play' - Ferguson & Grant urge Clement to start 'Major asset' in Celtic v Rangers

Barry Ferguson believes James Tavernier has done enough to warrant a start over Dujon Sterling ahead of Celtic v Rangers on Sunday.

The 33-year-old has been criticised throughout the 2024/25 campaign so far, with many supporters expecting him to leave in the summer, but his recent displays have shown why Philippe Clement still trusts him.

Tavernier has often struggled in the Old Firm battles, especially when coming up against Daizen Maeda, and with the next meeting on 15 December, Clement has a difficult decision to make.

Speaking via the Go Radio Football Show [13 December], Ferguson said: “I’ve got to be honest, Tavernier has been really good over the last couple of weeks.

“Clement has a decision to make over whether it’ll be him or Sterling. If you ask for my honest opinion, I think he’ll stick with Tavernier.”

Peter Grant added: “Tavernier’s got to play. If he doesn’t work hard enough to defend, that’s his problem. Going forward, he’s a major asset for Rangers.

“Defensively, he’s always been questioned, especially in the big games. He was up against Timo Werner recently and he’s got similar pace to Daizen Maeda. It was a situation he dealt with really well, but he’s got to do that more.”

James Tavernier decision emerges ahead of Celtic v Rangers

If history dictates anything in football, it would suggest that Sterling would be the sensible choice against the Hoops, but that would mean losing a huge attacking outlet.

The right-back, even in a rather difficult season for him, has notched two goals and four assists in 12 Scottish Premiership games, with a further three goal contributions in other competitions.

He showed exactly what he brings to the team during the 1-1 draw with Tottenham on Thursday 12 December, grabbing the assist for Hamza Igamane’s opener against keeping Werner quiet.

The hope would be that Tavernier could recreate his performance when coming up against the Hoops at Hampden Park this weekend, with the Gers looking to hold onto the Scottish League Cup title.

With four consecutive 90-minute games now under his belt, the defender looks to be on a roll and many expect Clement to keep his faith in the veteran rather than switch to Sterling now.

In other Rangers news, Peter Grant has fired a stubborn dig at Philippe Clement after what he has seen at Ibrox recently.

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