James Tavernier has to be hooked in Rangers vs Kilmarnock, Ian Crocker baffled by ‘horrible’ moment
James Tavernier might be Rangers captain but Philippe Clement has to be bold and take his captain off at half-time versus Kilmarnock.
The skipper scored an own goal in the first half at Ibrox in a match that the Gers absolutely have to win and it was an extremely poor moment from an extremely experienced player.
Killie’s Liam Polworth crossed deep from the right-hand side and Tavernier seemed completely unaware of where Matty Kennedy was in the Rangers area.
Kennedy put the ball back across the face of goal and Tavernier squirmed it past his own goalkeeper Jack Butland in a moment to forget.
Speaking about the incident, Ian Crocker said on commentary for Sky Sports Football (5 May): “It’s a really horrible own goal from James Tavernier, Kennedy kept it alive.”
Philippe Clement has to take off James Tavernier in Rangers vs Kilmarnock
Remarkably, Tavernier had an absolutely golden opportunity to level from the spot when Joe Wright was pinged for handball on the line after a VAR check.
Incredibly, Tavernier – usually so reliant from the spot – saw his penalty saved low to his right from Killie goalkeeper Will Dennis to compound a miserable period for the Gers’ captain.
He might be the captain but in a game of such high importance, Philippe Clement has to be bold because they are two huge moments that could really cost Rangers.
Failure to win here would see rivals Celtic have a very healthy advantage ahead of next weekend’s Old Firm derby at Celtic Park.
Tavernier has to be hooked and Rangers need to ensure they come out victorious here, with Fabio Silva’s goal right on the stroke of half-time at least levelling the scores at 1-1.
In other Rangers news, internal talks have happened with a double Ibrox exit on the cards.
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