James Tavernier surprise prediction emerges ahead of Rangers clash v Olympiacos
Derek Clark would not be surprised to see James Tavernier keep his spot in the Rangers starting XI to face Olympiacos on Thursday.
Fellow right-back Dujon Sterling has made just two Scottish Premiership starts so far this season, with Philippe Clement suggesting that the 25-year-old is not ready to play a full 90 minutes [Mail Online].
During the 2-1 win over St Mirren, Neraysho Kasanwirjo was trusted with the right-back position but Tavernier has reclaimed his spot in the starting XI since then, and the same has been predicted for the Europa League clash on 7 November.
Speaking via The Rangers Review YouTube channel [7 November], Clark said: “He hopes that he gets back to the Dujon Sterling that we had last season, but he has been struggling with niggling injuries.
“Reading between the lines from his answers last night, I wouldn’t be surprised if James Tavernier comes back in.”
James Tavernier to start for Rangers v Olympiacos?
Tavernier has certainly failed to live up to his usual standards this season, facing plenty of brutal criticism from the fanbase after being linked with a move away during the summer.
While the 33-year-old’s defensive capabilities have always been a talking point, his impact in the final third has usually given enough reason to keep him on the field for the Gers.
However, the right-back only has one goal and three assists in all competitions this term, only adding a few goal contributions to his 126 goals and 132 assists for the Light Blues.
He is only getting older, too, so the Gers will be desperate to find a successor for his position, and many hope this could be Sterling, though his multitude of injuries have stalled him from gaining the necessary experience.
The 25-year-old, who can also deputise on the wing and in midfield, has all the attributes to thrive at Ibrox, but he needs to prove he can stay off the treatment table before Tavernier hangs up his boots.
In other Rangers news, Barry Ferguson has dropped a new Philippe Clement sack verdict after what he has heard at Ibrox.
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