Michael Beale wants recognition for ‘fantastic’ Rangers achievement by James Tavernier
Michael Beale has lauded the achievement of James Tavernier recording 100 goals for Rangers in a bittersweet moment for the club captain, following the defeat against Celtic.
The skipper proved to be Rangers’ most potent attacking threat, showing his credentials with two finely taken opportunities in the 3-2 Old Firm defeat at Parkhead.
The 31-year-old came agonisingly close to sealing a hat-trick with another headed effort but that attempt drifted wide of Joe Hart’s near post.
Beale was effusive in his praise for Tavernier for reaching the 100-goal landmark, as reported by the Rangers Review: “Incredible for a right back. It’s not an easy thing being the captain or manager of such a big club. Certainly when you’re not picking up trophies but what that boy gives his team and the improvements he’s made over the years have been fantastic.
“He scores at the rate of a striker. He also assists as well. So that’s a fantastic milestone for him. When the dust settles from this game and the disappointment (subsides), it’s important that he gets accolades for that achievement.”
Defensive faults can be forgiven
Beale is absolutely correct to touch on the impact of Tavernier and his 100th strike for the club, despite the situation in which it arrived.
It’s not something to be celebrated in terms of Saturday’s game as that was another loss in a crucial encounter but the moment will come for the captain’s achievement to be recognised.
There won’t have been too many doubters when his sublime free-kick left Hart stranded, nor when he pounced at the back post to bring Rangers back into the match at 3-2.
Yes, Tavernier is found wanting defensively at times but that has to be accepted, for the player that he is. As long as he continues to contribute so significantly going forward in goals and assists, he will continue to receive the plaudits and rightly so.
In the coming games, James Tavernier will almost certainly move above and beyond the 100-goal mark as his fascinating Rangers story continues.
In other Rangers news, Kris Boyd was baffled after what James Tavernier said after Rangers’ loss v Celtic.