'Strange one' - Tam McManus baffled by what Philippe Clement did in Rangers win v Hearts

Tam McManus was baffled by Philippe Clement’s decision to start James Tavernier in Rangers’ 1-0 win over Hearts on Sunday.

The 33-year-old was dropped for the Gers’ Europa League clash against Olympiacos last week, only playing the final five minutes of the 1-1 draw, but was thrown straight back into the starting XI on 10 November.

Many fans have been calling for the right-back to be dropped altogether, with Dujon Sterling and Neraysho Kasanwirjo able to play in the position, but both were overlooked for the Scottish Premiership clash at Ibrox.

Speaking via PLZ Soccer’s The Football Show [11 November], McManus said: “Tavernier coming back into the team is a strange one. He dropped him out for Europe and now he’s come back into the team.

“He hooks him off after 60 minutes, the team captain, when you’re winning 1-0. I’m not quite sure what’s going on between Tavernier and Rangers at the minutes with the manager.”

James Tavernier confusion emerges after Rangers win

Tavernier looked to be on his way out of Ibrox during the summer transfer window, only to have found a new lease of life under Clement, though not all supporters are fans.

The 33-year-old has been a long-term servant of the club, accumulating almost 500 appearances since arriving from Wigan Athletic in 2015, but many believe this should be his final season at Ibrox.

With Sterling ready to become his successor, albeit still attempting to hold down any position in the starting XI and remain fit long enough, Clement has been told to trust the 25-year-old.

Despite this, Tavernier has started 10 of the Gers’ Scottish Premiership matches so far this term but was dropped for the most recent Europa League tie, which has added more confusion to the situation.

Axing him for the Olympiacos draw was exactly what fans have been asking for but then he was returned to the starting XI for the Hearts win once again. No wonder McManus is baffled.

In other Rangers news, Cyriel Dessers frustrations have emerged at Ibrox after “clumsy” comments recently.

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