'Very Surprised' - Pundit amazed 'Bang Average' player is still at Rangers

James Tavernier’s Rangers form as a defender and captain has been “bang average” so far this season, says Derek Ferguson.

The 32-year-old was subject to an offer from Trabzonspor [Sky Sports, 24 August] and had long been linked to a Steven Gerrard reunion in Saudi Arabia [Daily Record, 24 April].

Kevin Thomson claimed the skipper doesn’t want the role any more because of the extra pressure it brings as he’s struggled for form [Premier Sports, 23 September].

The ex-Ibrox midfielder is amazed Tavernier didn’t move on from Ibrox in the summer as vice-captain Connor Goldson departed for Aris Limassol, and wonders if the transfer speculation has served to unsettle the right-back.

While Ferguson accepts the captain has continued to plug away he can’t praise the levels he’s been producing.

He exclusively told Ibrox News: “First of all, I’m very surprised he didn’t leave. I thought him and Goldson it was a sure thing because there was a lot of noise about him going to Saudi.

“The other side of it is he’s still not playing well, and if you’re looking at things from a captain’s point of view I think it’s been bang average.

“So whether that’s unsettled him I don’t know. We’re hearing Tavernier’s never came and knocked on the manager’s door asking to leave, and fair play to Tavernier he’s kept his head down and he’s played away.

“But he’s not playing that well, it isn’t anywhere near what he’s produced over the course of the last three or four years.”

James Tavernier still ever-present at Rangers for Philippe Clement

Tavernier’s contribution to the Light Blues has been so high for so long that even a regression to the average would be alarming, but when the offensive output which was so key has dried up almost entirely it makes his defensive weaknesses all the more glarring.

Despite that Philippe Clement hasn’t seen fit to take him out of the firing line despite having a pair of potential replacements.

Heir apparent Dujon Sterling appears to have fallen down the pecking order under the Belgian but Deadline Day loanee Neraysho Kasanwirjo has made a solid start and could step in.

It’s impossible to doubt Tavernier’s commitment but for his own good he might benefit from a break to regroup.

In other Rangers news, it has been confirmed that Clement will be able to spend to strengthen in January.

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