Nacho Novo gushes over ‘incredible’ James Tavernier in ‘difficult’ Rangers admission
Nacho Novo has admitted that James Tavernier’s role as Rangers captain is “difficult” to navigate, but has gushed over the Ibrox star for his recent “incredible” form.
The Englishman has been in inspired form since Clement took over in Glasgow this season, with perhaps his best moment of the campaign being his winner in the Viaplay Cup final at Hampden Park earlier in December.
Tavernier had come in for some criticism from supporters and pundits for his poor performances earlier in the season, but former Gers star Novo is pleased that the Rangers captain is finally getting the credit he deserves for his displays.
As quoted by the Daily Record (28 December) he said: “Tav is incredible. He is a leader and sometimes it is difficult to wear that armband when things are not going well. In Glasgow, you can be the best and you can be the worst!
“But Tav is so strong mentally and he is now getting the credit he deserves from the Rangers supporters and others, who realise that to score so many goals and get so many assists from right back is amazing. And they are not all penalties!”
Back in form
As the Rangers captain, Tavernier was always going to be on the receiving end of plenty of criticism from supporters and pundits given the Light Blues’ awful start to the campaign under Michael Beale.
However, what has been so impressive to see this season is how the English full-back has not allowed it to impact him or his performances in any way this season and if anything, it has seen him reach a new level at Ibrox under the management of Clement.
Earlier in the campaign there were calls for the 32-year-old to be axed but in just a few short weeks he has managed to once again restore his place as one of the first names on the teamsheet week in and week out at Ibrox.
Hopefully, he will be able to continue this form between now and the end of the season. If Rangers’ skipper is playing well, it will massively increase the chances of him lifting the Scottish Premiership title come the end of the campaign.
In other Rangers news, Mark Guidi has responded to suggestions Ross County should be fined for failing to make the trip to Ibrox