Rangers: Barry Ferguson blown away by James Tavernier in new Ibrox ‘scapegoat’ admission
Rangers captain James Tavernier has been unfairly treated as a “scapegoat”, according to Barry Ferguson after he added to his “unbelievable” goal tally against St Johnstone.
The 32-year-old scored twice from the spot in the Light Blues’ win on Sunday (18 February) to help Philippe Clement’s side move above Celtic to the top of the Scottish Premiership table for the first time this season.
Tavernier has now scored 12 Premiership goals this season and 120 for the Gers in total, a record which Go Radio’s Paul Cooney labelled “unbelievable”, especially when considering his role as a right-back.
Speaking on The Go Radio Football Show on Monday (19 February, 9:20) he said: “The captain stepped up again. 120 goals for that great striker, I mean defender, it’s unbelievable!”
Ferguson quickly agreed saying: “I know a lot of them are penalties, but they are pressurised situations penalties and I said it when he was getting a bit of stick, what a signing he has been for Rangers over the piece.
“£300,000, as captain there is a bit of pressure in terms of winning trophies and if you ask James Tavernier himself, he’s not won enough, but some of his performances have been excellent.
“I’ve said that I thought that he was a scapegoat at times but 120 goals and I think he’ll go on for another couple of years.”
Can James Tavernier lift a treble for Rangers at Ibrox?
It wasn’t too long ago that supporters and pundits at Ibrox were criticising Tavernier for his performances under Michael Beale, with some going as far as to suggest that the fullback should be dropped given his poor form.
However, those calls have been noticeably absent since Clement arrived in Glasgow, with the 32-year-old managing to go from strength to strength under the Belgian’s management and lead the Light Blues’ resurgence.
Although people will always point to the number of penalties he scores when mentioning his goal tally, Tavernier has stood up and been counted for his side repeatedly and his consistency from the spot deserves to be rewarded.
As Ferguson suggested, the Rangers captain has shown little signs that he is slowing down at Ibrox and while he could still make history this season, he looks set to be part of this Rangers side for a few more years to come.
In other Rangers news, Chris Sutton has fired a fresh jibe at the Gers after they moved top of the Scottish Premiership
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