James Tavernier goal v Motherwell stuns James McFadden
James McFadden was left to wax lyrical at half-time over James Tavernier’s stunning first-half volley for Rangers at Motherwell on Sunday afternoon.
Tavernier, 30, struck the equaliser at Fir Park after Bevis Mugabe opened the scoring for the home side in the 13th minute.
It took half an hour, but Rangers rallied back and it was through their captain Tavernier as he met a lofted cross from fellow full-back Calvin Bassey.
Tavernier struck it sweetly on the volley past Liam Kelly in the Motherwell goal and it seemed to really galvanise the Gers who scored a second just minutes later, Fashion Sakala’s header sending the away side into the lead at half-time.
“It’s an absolutely magnificent finish from Tavernier who catches it absolutely bang on but he’s got too much time and space for me,” ex-Scotland international remarked pitchside at Fir Park on punditry duties for Sky Sports.
“But listen, take nothing away from the finish, it’s an unbelievable technique because he’s gone for power.”
That’s what he can do
As ever, questions were raised when Tavernier’s name was listed in the starting XI for today’s game.
Nathan Patterson’s displays for Scotland and (briefly) Rangers have seen calls for his inclusion grow louder.
But Steven Gerrard remains loyal to his skipper, and his strike to level the game was just reward for that show of faith.
Of course, that does not absolve Tavernier of blame for his defensive mishaps.
But he also produced a fabulous assist for the Fashion Sakala’s first goal of the game, sending over a lofted cross for the Zambian to head home.
Against stronger opposition, there must be real questions asked of whether Tavernier can do the business.
But on the evidence of the first two goals today, it’s no wonder Gerrard continues to select Tavernier.
In other Rangers news, Kenny Miller was left gobsmacked by what this Ibrox star did against Motherwell.