Keith Jackson slams ‘atrocious’ James Tavernier after what he’s done for Rangers recently
Keith Jackson has torn into “atrocious” James Tavernier after his recent form for Rangers led to him getting dropped against Olympiacos in the Europa League.
The Englishman was dropped to the bench in Greece by Philippe Clement on 7 November and was replaced in the Gers’ starting XI by Dujon Sterling after his recent below-par performances.
Speaking on the Daily Record’s Hotline Live (7 November), Jackson mooted the fact that something might have happened behind the scenes during the summer months when Tavernier was heavily linked with an exit and that could be affecting his form.
“His [Tavernier] form is atrocious, he’s been terrible, it doesn’t look to me as if his hearts in it,” Jackson said.
“I’m wondering if something went on in the summer, I think he thought he was away, something doesn’t feel right.
“He doesn’t look happy, he’s not playing well, Rangers need to take him out of the firing line not just for his own good but for the good of the team”.
James Tavernier time at Rangers is now up
Tavernier has arguably been one of the Gers’ best players over the last few years. His set-piece taking is among the best in the league and despite his transfer being mooted on more than one occasion in the summer, he remained at Ibrox.
He’s now 33 years old and has seemed way off the pace this season, even just compared to his form from last term.
While his set-piece taking is still stellar, the off-chance that Rangers might get given a set-piece in a game isn’t worth the risk of playing the defender.
This term, it’s felt like his legs have gone and in almost every game he’s played, he’s been slandered in one way or another.
He’s been with the club through some of their best times in recent memory such as winning number 55 but the legacy he’s made for himself at Ibrox can’t keep getting him into Clement’s starting XI.
While his time at Rangers coming to an end is sad for all those involved, it feels like the best solution for both parties, especially if Clement wants to try and challenge for the Scottish Premiership title.
In other Rangers news, Cyriel Dessers proved once again why he continues to make the Gers’ fans mad after what he did versus Olympiacos.
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