'Old' - Pundit view: Rangers star struggles may be permanent, 'Hell of a lot more' expected

James Tavernier may never return to his previous levels despite patience from Philippe Clement at Rangers, Derek Ferguson has said.

The Light Blues captain has started every game this season despite what the pundit has previously called “bang average” performances.

Clement has backed the 32-year-old against criticism through the early weeks of the season, but he was substituted for Neraysho Kasanwirjo in the 4-1 defeat to Lyon on 3 October.

And Ferguson has suggested Tavernier may have permanently dropped down a level as he enters the later years of his career, comparing his struggles to the dip in form Connor Goldson went through before leaving in the summer.

He exclusively told Ibrox News: “Sometimes with players, it happened with Goldson at the tail-end of last season, sometimes players just become old, their legs go a little bit.

“And you look at his contribution to that right-back area and as a captain I think we’re looking for a hell of a lot more.

“The manager’s been really patient with him but you just wonder if he’s ever going to get back to his best. I’m not so sure, I’m sitting on the fence with that one.“

Philippe Clement starts Rangers captain in every game

If this season has seen Tavernier experience a permanent drop in form then there is little to be gained by the manager keeping him in the starting XI whatever happens.

And it would also suggest the club made a mistake not agreeing an exit for the right-back in the summer when he was widely expected to leave after a bid from Trabzonspor [Heart & Hand, 22 July].

After 472 Rangers appearances and a record-breaking 126 goals from defence it is impossible to overlook the captain’s contributions to this team, and there comes a point for every player where they just aren’t up to it any more.

His remarkable ability to play virtually every game season after season may have brought that point earlier for some, and when he does move on his legacy will likely be looked on more fondly than it often has been during his time at Ibrox.

But with Dujon Sterling handed a contract extension and Kasanwirjo’s introduction to the side positive it certainly looks like time for a change in the line up.

In other Rangers news, a Light Blues tribute was on show at Hibs at the weekend.

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