George Overhill

Thu 10 February 2022 10:40, UK

Rangers captain James Tavernier’s attacking numbers have left one of his predecessors as Ibrox right-back, Alan Hutton, in disbelief following the Hibs win.

The English full-back put in an all-action display last night, scoring the first from the penalty spot, and delivering a perfect through-ball to assist Alfredo Morelos’ second in a 2-0 win.

He has now scored seven times this season and provided 13 assists, after his incredible return last season where he scored 19 goals and assisted 17.

Speaking on the RangersTV match broadcast after the final whistle BT Sport pundit Hutton was full of praise, saying: “Honestly, it’s actually unbelievable. Obviously as a fellow right-back, to see the numbers that he puts up on the board is outstanding, it really is.

“Considering I only scored a few, his numbers are incredible so fair play.”

Leading from the front

The statistical output from the former Wigan man is at a level that most attacking players would be proud of.

So to deliver that much from the full-back position, while at the same time being a key performer defensively is incredible.

Of course it helps that he takes penalties and free kicks, but only players who have the ability to score set pieces will get to do so.

And it still doesn’t take away from how impressive it is, considering forward players with that sort of stat line are also often on set pieces.

As the leader of the reigning champions it is no surprise that the 30-year-old is one of the top players in the league at his position.

After years as a key performer under Steven Gerrard he has continued to be a vital member of Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s starting line-up.

It will likely require more performances like last night’s to maintain the Light Blue’s title defence so fans and teammates alike will hope he can keep up his high levels.

In other Rangers news, one Ibrox man admits he was not ready for the level of intense scrutiny that comes with playing for the club.