BBC Sportscene pundits blown away by James Tavernier as Rangers beat Livingston
James McFadden and Steven Thompson were blown away by James Tavernier’s free kick against Livingston as the Rangers captain scored his second and doubled the lead on Saturday.
The Light Blues right-back had already put his side ahead from the spot in the first half of the 3-0 win, but he made the result safe after the break when he whipped an unstoppable set piece into the top corner from just outside the area.
The two BBC men raved about the “sensational” quality and McFadden believes the defender’s ability to score into either corner left the goalkeeper in no-man’s land, not knowing where to line up.
Speaking live on BBC Sportscene on Saturday night (18 February, 8.00pm) McFadden said of the captain’s second goal: “This is a brilliant free-kick.”
“Sensational”, agreed host Steven Thompson.
McFadden went on: “Great power, direction. I think Shamal George… James Tavernier last season or earlier in the season goes the other side and that’s maybe out him off.”
But Thompson said: “There’s not much he can do with that, it’s right in the top bin.”
McFadden suggested George tried to cheat to the middle but admitted: “He’s put so much power on it, he’s got no chance.”
Pin-point
Rangers ultimately recorded a comfortable win to send them into the League Cup final against Celtic next week, but it took a captain’s performance from Tavernier to secure it.
The penalty conversion earlier in the game was emphatic, especially after he missed a spot-kick in the cup win over Partick Thistle last weekend, but the free-kick was as good as anyone in world football can produce.
Tavernier’s quality with a dead ball is hardly news these days, but it was on full show at Livingston and proved the difference between an edgy afternoon and a straightforward three points.
If he can provide anything similar at Hampden next Sunday (26 February) to help lift the first domestic trophy of the season then things will certainly be looking positive for the Michael Beale era.
He might need to contribute with Malik Tillman facing a race against time to get fitfor the final, with the American developing into a key part of the attacking game for this Gers side.
But Kemar Roofe finding the net again after a season beset by injury problems of his own is another positive heading into the huge derby game, and if some of the other absentees prove to be available in time there is reason to be confident.
In other Rangers news, an official club partner reacted to the fans’ criticism of the manager in the stands at Livingston.