Rangers: BBC pundit wowed by James Tavernier after what he did in 4-1 win v Dumbarton – ‘Exquisite’
Jim Duffy was blown away by James Tavernier’s “exquisite” penalty for Rangers as they recorded a 4-1 victory over Dumbarton in the Scottish Cup on Saturday (20 January).
Philippe Clement’s side were looking to find their form again after a two-week winter break as they took on the lower league side on Saturday afternoon at the Dumbarton Football Stadium.
It turned out to be a comfortable afternoon for the Light Blues after goals from John Lundstram, Cyriel Dessers, James Tavernier and Scott Wright secured their place in the Scottish Cup fifth round.
And former Dumbarton manager, and BBC pundit for the evening, Duffy, speaking live on BBC Sportsound (20 January) heaped praise on the Gers star after his penalty put the Gers 3-0 up.
He said: “An exquisite penalty from Tavernier. People think it’s easy. Firm side foot, into the side net, keeper no chance.”
“Rangers have deserved to be 3-0 victors, but Dumbarton deserve a lot of credit.”
Delivers yet again
Tavernier has spent the last nine years at Rangers after making the move from Wigan Athletic back in 2015 and certainly has not looked back since becoming a true icon and legend at the club.
The Ibrox fan-favourite has scored a staggering 118 goals and provided 124 assists during his 430 appearances at the club to mark him out as one the best goalscoring defenders in the world.
And it’s no surprise he is attracting interest from clubs in the Saudi Pro League after his tremendous influence and quality at right-back.
Certainly, the 32-year-old has been a mainstay in the team, rarely missing a game through injury or suspension and is ever-so reliable when the club need him most and that was evident yet again today, scoring the penalty and registering a picture-perfect assist for Dessers’ goal.
Rangers will certainly be pushing a hands-off warning to potential suitors this month as they look to continue their upward trajectory under Clement’s management but it’s important to note that Tavernier certainly won’t be around forever.
For now, the Light Blues fans must enjoy the Englishman while they have him because sadly, all good things come to an end, eventually.
In other Rangers news, an Athletic journalist believes it would be “no surprise at all” if the “best finisher” a club has ends up at Ibrox.
For more Rangers news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.