Journo backs Clement to make new Tavernier call amid Rangers exit speculation

Rangers manager Philippe Clement will start James Tavernier against Celtic unless he is sold ahead of the transfer deadline, according to Chris Jack.

The Light Blues make the trip across Glasgow to Parkhead for the first Old Firm derby of the season on Sunday (1 September) two days after the summer transfer window slams shut.

Tavernier has been the subject of two transfer approaches from Besiktas [Rangers Review, 23 July] and has previously struggled against the Hoops, but Rangers Review journalist Jack expects Clement to stand by his captain.

Speaking on the Rangers Review YouTube channel (26 August, 24:00) he said: “The only way that Tavernier doesn’t play for me on Saturday is if he’s injured or if he’s sold.

“If he’s fit and available, it’s too big a call to put your faith in the captain over the course of the summer, the manager has spoken about him, how he’s part of his plans and then drop him for the biggest game of the season so far.

“Yes, his form has not been great, yes, there is some scar tissue there from previous Old Firms for Tavernier, but it’s different dropping your captain than it is someone else.”

Will James Tavernier exit Rangers ahead of Old Firm clash v Celtic?

As Jack suggests, it would create a media story around Ibrox if Clement were to drop Tavernier having stood by the Englishman throughout the summer transfer window despite plenty of speculation.

While the Belgian never completely closed the door on the idea that the 32-year-old could exit Scotland, he made it clear he would be standing by him heading into the new season even if he had suffered a dip in form.

So far this term, Tavernier has repaid that faith and his performance against Ross County last time was easily his best of the season so far as he flexed his attacking muscles and combined well with Vaclav Cerny down the right flank.

Keeping Celtic quiet at Parkhead next week will be a very different and much harder task for the defender, but unless something drastic happens in the coming days, he will have the responsibility of dealing with Daizen Maeda.

In other Rangers news, Chris Sutton has fired a new Champions League jibe at the Gers ahead of the clash at Parkhead

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