Rangers Super Fans want Nathan Patterson to replace James Tavernier after Malmo display
This is part of a regular series from our panel of Rangers Super Fans. Each week, our Super Fans will deliver their verdicts on the biggest talking points and news stories around Ibrox. You can join in the discussion on our Rangers Insider Facebook page.
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Rangers fans have expressed their concerns over Rangers captain James Tavernier after his latest performance against Malmo.
The 29-year-old shone for the Gers last season, scoring 19 goals in 46 appearances from right-back, while his inch-perfect deliveries set up plenty of chances for the forward line.
He was also part of a rock-solid defence at Ibrox which conceded just four times at home in the Premiership, and 13 times in 38 games overall as the Light Blues marched to the title.
However, Steven Gerrard’s side have suffered a poor start to the 2021/22 campaign, with a 1-0 defeat to Dundee United on Saturday sandwiched between a couple of 2-1 losses to Swedish side Malmo in the Champions League qualifying round.
The 2-1 reversal at Ibrox ensured the Gers crashed out of UEFA’s premier club competition and relegated them to the Europa League.
Tavernier suffered a tough time in the first leg and in the league at Tannadice, while his most recent outing also saw him draw the ire of Bears online.
Our panel of Super Fans were not impressed by the Englishman’s display on Tuesday night, with some calling for 19-year-old Nathan Patterson, who was called up to Scotland’s Euro 2020 squad, to replace him.
Here’s what they had to say…
Tavernier suffered a rocky relationship with Rangers supporters at the start of his Ibrox career but looked to have won around many doubters with his goalscoring feats and countless assists.
However, his defending has always been a stick to beat him with, and that is always likely to be questioned if the Gers are losing and he’s not doing the business at the other end of the pitch.
Patterson, meanwhile, has made great strides since his promotion to the senior side, and looks raring to go if Gerrard gives him the green light.
It’s not the end for Tavernier, but perhaps Patterson deserves a chance to showcase his undeniable qualities and stake a claim for a more permanent position.
In other Rangers news, a BBC pundit has suggested that Light Blues stars are set to exit Ibrox as the club looks to balance their books.