BBC Sport pundit amazed by James Tavernier in Rangers win v Hibernian
BBC Sport pundit Neil McCann was left astonished at Rangers defender James Tavernier and his “wonderful” cross for the equalising goal at Ibrox on Thursday night (15 December).
With the Gers 2-1 down against Hibernian as the clock approached the hour mark, the Rangers captain whipped in a beautiful corner, which Malik Tillman flicked on and Ryan Jack then prodded home – to send Gers fans into raptures.
Speaking live on BBC Sportsound and reported via the BBC Sport website, pundit McCann was left admiring the role Tavernier played in the well-crafted equalising goal.
He said: “It’s a wonderful delivery from Tavernier, Tillman was very good in the air, gets a flick that takes beyond David Marshall.
“You did feel that something was coming, Hibs were starting to rock.”
Set-piece improvement
Prior to the World Cup break, Rangers had only scored two set-piece goals all season, which clearly had to be improved upon.
Tavernier mentioned his role in creating chances from set-pieces needed to improve during his pre-match press conference before the Hibernian clash, and he duly delivered the goods on the pitch, hitting his man Tillman with a nice ball, which resulted in the goal. [Rangers Review]
For Rangers to stand any chance of reeling in league-leaders Celtic they will have to score more goals under Beale than they did with predecessor Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
Taking opportunities from set pieces will therefore be crucial in the second half of the season, and this all starts with the delivery that the right-back provides his teammates with.
This was evidently a great start to this promise, and the premeditation of Jack will have also pleased the English manager as he still gets to grips with life in Glasgow.
In other Rangers news, Birmingham City sensation Jobe Bellingham is on Rangers’ transfer watchlist, but they will face competition from several other clubs.