'Honestly' - Sportscene pundit slams Rangers ace, questions why Clement picks him

Mark Wilson believes Rangers captain James Tavernier should be axed by Philippe Clement for the next Old Firm derby after his performance on Sunday [1 September].

Rangers were beaten 3-0 at Celtic Park by the Hoops, with blame pointed towards the right-back for his involvement, or lack thereof, with Daizen Maeda’s opening goal.

The pundit analysed the clash on BBC’s Sportscene [1 September, 20m 1s] and questioned why Philippe Clement continues to pick him for this fixture.

He said: “I honestly think, when you see him in this fixture time and time again, it falls on the manager to make a big decision.

“He struggles in this fixture and that proved again today. Time and time again, the ball over the top between him and [John] Souttar – it yields the same results.

“So it’s down to the manager to take him out of the side and maybe you get a different result.”

James Tavernier needs to lead a captain’s example for Rangers

The Gers were always going to be up against it at Celtic Park, with no away supporters allowed in the stadium and the huge gulf in class between the sides.

When the chips are stacked against them the players naturally turn to their captain, who hardly led by example against their Scottish Premiership rivals and perhaps was lucky to see the pitch past half-time.

After 10 years for the Light Blues, it would be expected that Tavernier can handle himself in the biggest clash of the SPFL calendar. However, he cut a dejected figure on the pitch at the weekend, and his lack of awareness for the opening goal was telling of his ability to lead Clement’s side.

Rangers supporters were somewhat surprised their captain remained in Glasgow. He was linked with a move all summer [TEAMtalk] and they cannot be blamed for wishing Tavernier secured an exit after another shambolic Old Firm outing.

Dujon Sterling was moved into midfield to accommodate the captain. Clement will undoubtedly regret his selection, with fans frustrated with the decision.

The 32-year-old can perform against the rest of the Scottish Premiership sides, but the clashes with Celtic hold the only significance in the Light Blues’ schedule.

It shows that Clement and his side still need significant investment over the next few years to even come close to challenging their rivals.

In other Rangers news, Keith Jackson tears into Gers captain James Tavernier after Celtic defeat.

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