'Lazy' - Stevie Clifford calls out Rangers star after what he saw v Motherwell

Stevie Clifford has labelled Rangers captain James Tavernier “lazy” after the 2-1 win against Motherwell on 10 August.

Speaking on The Rangers Review (12 August) the Four Lads Had a Dream blogger slammed Tavernier for allowing the cross which saw Robin Propper steer the ball past Jack Butland and into his net.

Steven Sneddon wasn’t closed down by Tavernier and swung a cross into the box at Hampden Park, which took a nick off John Souttar and led to Propper scoring the own goal on his debut.

Clifford said: “Am I allowed to say this? I think James Tavernier is a wee bit lazy, that’s the god’s honest truth.

“I think he’s overconfident that he can just allow the ball to be swung in, and the boys in the middle are going to pick that up.

“Because it doesn’t look great, he’s the one that’s at fault for it in the eyes of the supporter.

“Whether that’s correct or not, it looks half-hearted, and I think that’s why people pick up on it.”

James Tavernier must improve to safeguard Rangers future

Tavernier is one of the players who has been most heavily linked with a move away from Ibrox this summer, and heart-hearted defending leading to own-goals will only exacerbate calls for him to go.

It’s still a possibility that the Gers do cash in on their long-time captain before the window ends on 30 August, following interest from several leagues abroad [The 4th Official, 20 July].

The idea that Tavernier’s head has already been turned is likely wide of the mark, but it remains to be seen if the 32-year-old will even be Philippe Clement’s first-choice right-back going forward.

Dujon Sterling’s emergence in a variety of positions last season makes him a leading candidate to displace Tavernier on the right-hand side [David Edgar, 19 July], but he’s yet to be given the opportunity so far this season.

Regardless of Sterling’s fitness issues, the Ibrox faithful may have to see the back of Tavernier if his ineffective performances continue, suggesting a swift exit may be the best outcome for both parties.

In other Rangers news, Jim White wondered what the Gers need to do to prevent Celtic from winning another Premiership title.

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