Kris Boyd makes James Tavernier exit claim at Rangers from inside Ibrox today

Kris Boyd feels James Tavernier still has a lot to offer to Rangers, but accepts it is looking increasingly likely he will exit Ibrox.

The Englishman was seen as one of the players who could've departed in the summer, with teams in the Middle East and Turkey expressing their interest in the right-back [HITC, 6 September].

Tavernier has continued at the Light Blues, though, and speaking on Sky Sports News [23 November], Boyd believes Tavernier has done very well during his time at Ibrox.

"To be honest, it's been ongoing now for a long while. Rangers fans feel Tavernier's time is up for a while now. I've not been one who's bought into that," he said ahead of Saturday's (23 November) game with Dundee United.

"I think he's one who can still offer a lot going forward, even if his performances haven't been at the levels from the past. If you look at any full-back who's scored over 100 goals and has over 100 assists, he's been judged unfairly by the trophies Rangers have won during the period he's been here.

"His own contributions have been excellent. It's getting to the stage where you feel it's shifting. Tavernier is coming to the latter stages of his Rangers career and can look back with happy memories, albeit he'd like more trophies. But overall he can be satisfied."

James Tavernier needs to leave Rangers

Tavernier has continued to be a pivotal player for Philippe Clement this season, making 20 appearances in all competitions for the Light Blues, scoring one goal and providing four assists.

The veteran right-back has done well in attacking areas, but fans haven't been pleased with his defensive contributions for some time now.

As a result, the Ibrox faithful have wanted to see someone like Dujon Sterling or Neraysho Kasanwirjo replace the Bears captain in the starting lineup.

Kasanwirjo, unfortunately, picked up an injury during the recent international break in the game between the Netherlands Under-21s and England, and there are even fears of it being an ACL injury.

Sterling is someone who's seen as a successor to Tavernier at the Glaswegian club, with the 25-year-old impressing in the recent changes he's been handed.

Tavernier has been a loyal servant at the Gers, but the 33-year-old needs to realise that it's time to move on and give others an opportunity, with the Englishman only hurting his legacy by remaining in Glasgow.

In other Rangers news, uncertainty has been shared about Nils Koppen's appointment as technical director at Ibrox.

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