By Sam Stone

30th Apr, 2023 | 9:00pm

Tom English tears into James Tavernier for what he did for Rangers in loss vs Celtic amid 'doesn't have a clue' verdict

BBC Scotland’s Tom English has torn into James Tavernier after the Rangers captain was “culpable” for Celtic’s goal in the Gers’ 1-0 Scottish Cup defeat.

The Light Blues’ defence switched off on the stroke of halftime to allow Ange Postecoglou’s side to score what would turn out to be the decisive goal.

English, who is BBC Scotland’s chief sports writer, delivered a scathing review of Rangers’ defence during the incident.

“There were four or five Rangers players culpable for the goal,” said English (BBC Sport, 30 April).

“A defensive lapse, switching off and James Tavernier’s positioning there was atrocious. He’s the captain and, when the ball is in the air, he doesn’t have a clue where Jota is.”

Crucial moments

This was a crucial moment in Rangers’ season and they passed it up. Everyone had earmarked this fixture as one which would define the 2022/23 campaign. The decisive goal was so basic. You simply cannot give Celtic the chance to take the lead in such a manner; they’re good enough as it is.

Would Postecoglou’s side have given up such an easy chance? The answer is a resounding no. There needs to be a significant clearout at Ibrox during the summer. Too many of these players have had the chance to make an impact on the big occasions and have failed miserably.

The pressure isn’t on Beale yet, but the knives will soon be out if the Gers start the 2023/24 season on the back foot. They have to match Celtic stride for stride. Now that this season is all but finished, Beale can begin his summer business in earnest.

There are reportedly one or two deals on the cusp of being completed. It wouldn’t be a surprise to hear of one or two more players linked with the Light Blues in the coming days.

In other Rangers news, Stephen McGowan has suggested that manager Beale could see one player waving goodbye to the Gers this summer.