Micah Richards blown away by James Tavernier after watching Rangers overtake Celtic
Micah Richards says the goalscoring record of James Tavernier is “absolutely ridiculous” after the right-back scored two more goals for Rangers in their win at St Johnstone.
The Gers skipper netted a couple of second-half penalties at McDiarmid Park in Sunday’s (18 February) 3-0 win, after Mohamed Diomande had opened the scoring, to take his goals tally for the season to 18 in all competitions.
Tavernier now has 122 goals in a Rangers shirt since arriving nine years ago, meanwhile, much to the amazement of former Manchester City defender Micah Richards.
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast [19 February, 41m 54s], Richards said: “Tavernier, by the way, has scored over 100 goals.
“I know he takes free-kicks and penalties, but he’s got over 100 goals from right-back – that’s absolutely ridiculous.”
James Tavernier’s remarkable goalscoring record
Tavernier was ice cool from the penalty spot once again against St Johnstone as the Gers overtook Celtic at the Scottish Premiership summit.
Whether it is scoring spot-kicks, free-kicks or finding the net from open play, as he so often does, Tavernier is a serious attacking asset.
Without being too hyperbolic, there cannot be too many full-backs in world football to have ever racked up as many goals across a career?
Richards, himself an attack-minded right-back during his playing days, scored 11 goals for club and country.
That puts into context how remarkable Tavernier’s goalscoring tally is, even if he is on penalty duties.
The 32-year-old’s relationship with supporters earlier in the season was a little complicated, but the whole fanbase respects what he brings.
If the Gers can hold on to top spot, nobody will be more deserving than Tavernier when lifting that trophy up high at the end of May.
In other Rangers news, Keith Jackson has raised the suggestion of Brandan Rodgers being sacked at Celtic after the Gers’ latest win.
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.