Stevie Clifford: Clement to face questions at Rangers if new Tavernier call is made at Ibrox

Questions will be asked of Philippe Clement if he continues to pick James Tavernier at Rangers, according to Stevie Clifford.

The Englishman has been an ever-present so far this season, despite being surrounded by speculation linking him with a move away from Ibrox throughout the transfer window [Graeme Bailey, 6 September].

Although Four Lads host Clifford expects Clement to stand by the Gers captain, he has urged the Belgian to drop Tavernier and start Neraysho Kasanwirjo against St Johnstone on Sunday (20 October).

Speaking on The Rangers Review YouTube channel (16 October, 19:08) he said: “It’s not me picking the team, but if it was up to me, he would be starting at right back.

“Controversially or not, I think the games he’s come in for he’s looked fairly solid and he looks like he’s good going forward as well. He had a very good shot at the end of the last game against St Johnstone and a very good save by the keeper.

“He’s proved that he’s quite comfortable, he looks quite athletic, he looks quite strong and I don’t think we’ve ever really seen him be outdone.

“At the moment, you have to weigh up what’s best for the team. It’s not about what’s best for the individuals and stuff like that. Is the current right-back doing enough that you would keep him in before anyone else?

“Are his stats high enough, is he adding enough to the team, is he robust enough and things like that. Once you weigh all that up, it’s a straight swap between him and Kasanwirjo but the case for him is that he’s gone ahead of Dujon Sterling in most people’s reckoning at right-back.

“Would he start on Sunday for me? Yes, he would, but my feelings on James Tavernier and things are quite well-known.

“At some point, the decision to keep playing James Tavernier will raise question marks around the manager because I just think when it comes to the goals that we concede, James Tavernier will be involved in the game and then questions will be asked.”

What has happened to James Tavernier at Ibrox and Rangers?

As Clifford suggests, Tavernier seems to be involved in some capacity whenever Rangers concede goals.

Often, the Gers skipper loses his man at the back post before they tap in under no pressure or at times he is torn apart by a quick and direct winger who is willing to run at him with the ball at his feet.

The argument for keeping the Englishman in the team has been that he always produces quality in possession to unpick an opposition defence. While that remains true, it matters very little if he is making the defence weaker.

Kasanwirjo has shown in his limited minutes so far this term that he is much more reliable out of possession than Tavernier and on the international stage, he has demonstrated his ability to impact the game in the final third.

Sunday’s clash at Rugby Park feels like the perfect opportunity for the torch to be passed between the two defenders. The question is whether or not Clement is brave enough to make that call.

In other Rangers news, Clement is set to breathe a sigh of relief after a new Connor Barron update away from Ibrox

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