Michael Stewart drops James Tavernier exit claim at Rangers

Michael Stewart believes that Rangers couldn't sell James Tavernier this summer but should have sold him three years ago.

The Gers captain was linked with a move away from Ibrox this summer to the likes of Besiktas but a deal never went through in the end [Fotomac].

Speaking to Premier Sports on 18 September, former Scotland international Stewart believes the 32-year-old should have been moved on years ago.

He said: " I think this window, Rangers probably couldn't afford to lose him. I said about three years ago that it would have been an incredibly tough decision but they probably should have sold Tavernier.

"They had the likes of (Nathan) Patterson coming through who would have been the right-back for the next five years and then you would have sold him for big money as well. That's how you create that continuity, sustainability and longevity."

James Tavernier Rangers transfer mooted

It is certainly a bold call to suggest that the Light Blues should have moved their skipper on such a long time ago given how influential he has been.

The former Wigan Athletic man has been one of the most important players at Ibrox ever since signing for so many different reasons.

His goal involvements have been massive to help the club rise up and win a Scottish Premiership title while also reaching a Europa League final.

There have been question marks over his defensive work, ability to step up in big matches, and whether he has the leadership qualities to be skipper at Ibrox, but he has earned the trust of several Rangers managers.

If he had departed the club there is no guarantee that Patterson would have gone on to be a success at Ibrox.

This is especially true given how things have gone down south for the defender at Everton since moving to Goodison Park.

Although a move away for Tavernier may make sense now, losing him multiple seasons ago may have been a poor decision to make..

In other Rangers news, Kris Boyd has sent a jibe to Celtic ahead of their Champions League clash.

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