Roger Hannah defends Rangers star as he makes accusation about fans

Rangers have a whole host of problems more significant than James Tavernier’s form this season, according to Roger Hannah.

Speaking on the Clyde 1 SuperScoreboard (21 October), the journalist said that while Tavernier’s reputation has waned alongside his goal and assist numbers, he’s still a valuable asset at Ibrox.

The 32-year-old has started all 14 of the Gers’ competitive matches in all competitions so far this season, and Hannah argued that he’s become a lightning rod for fans’ frustrations.

He said: “The number of goals (Tavernier’s) scored – over 100, the number of assists he’s had for the team – over 100 – they have been enough to keep him in the team.

“When those numbers have fallen off, as they have this season – people look at the defensive frailties, the captaincy frailties, and they use that as a stick to beat James Tavernier.

“James Tavernier for me still isn’t Rangers’ biggest problem, far from it.

“If you were starting with a clean sheet of paper, listing Rangers’ problems, he’d be well down the list – but there are fans who have made up their minds about James Tavernier, and they won’t change them.”

James Tavernier criticism represents a larger problem at Rangers

As Philippe Clement led a mass overhaul of the existing squad in the summer transfer window, one player who seemed set for the exit door was none other than the club’s long-serving captain.

Clubs in Turkey, Qatar and Saudi Arabia all reared their heads in pursuit of the 32-year-old [GiveMeSport, 7 September], but as various countries’ Deadline Days passed, Tavernier eventually stayed put at Ibrox.

Any speculation over Tavernier being out of the first-team picture was profoundly put to bed by Philippe Clement, who has picked the veteran at right-back for every single match this season.

Although Tavernier’s form – like that of many of his team-mates – hasn’t been up to the levels expected of the Ibrox faithful, a lack of credible replacements have made him the default choice for Clement.

It’s up to Clement to try Neraysho Kasanwirjo or Dujon Sterling in place of Tavernier, and the veteran still playing almost every minute highlights the club’s inability to bring in a much-needed upgrade.

In other Rangers news, an ex-Gers manager has given a new Premiership title race prediction after their ‘setback’ at Rugby Park.

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