James Tavernier now ‘Scarred’ at Rangers after what has happened
Rangers should start Dujon Sterling ahead of James Tavernier in the Scottish League Cup Final due to his record against Celtic, Derek Ferguson has said.
Speaking on Open Goal (12 December), Ferguson argued that while Tavernier’s form has improved this term, the 33-year-old has a history of being run ragged by Daizen Media in the Old Firm.
Tavernier may be captain and has started 21 of 24 matches so far this season, but Ferguson argued that Sterling would be the better choice at right-back for Philippe Clement.
Ferguson said: “I think the manager will go with Tav – I’m not so sure.
“I think he’s scarred, I think there’s history there – Maeda’s torn him apart at times, so sometimes it’s that mental side.
“He’s playing well at the minute, but they’ve not really been asked the question, the last few games defensively.
“(I’m going with) Sterling, to be honest with you, and it’s just because of what history tells you.
“Maybe this is the game for Tav to step up, but for me, Maeda’s licking his lips, he’s looking at him and going ‘right, I’ve got him’, and that’s a worry.”
James Tavernier could cause Rangers to come undone v Celtic
Tavernier has been one of the Gers’ most dependable players for almost 10 years, but now aged 33 and with questions aplenty over his future, it’s clear that the full-back’s best days are behind him.
Such verdicts have been reached in part thanks to Tavernier’s performances in Old Firm matches of late, with the veteran one of several players slammed in the wake of September’s 3-0 defeat.
While Clement is yet to win a match against Celtic in five previous attempts, Maeda in particular has also had Tavernier’s number of late, making every encounter with the Gers right-back a huge risk.
Clement’s side’s uptick in form recently has coincided with Tavernier getting back into the goals, but it’s going the other way which will be giving Gers fans sleepless nights ahead of the League Cup Final.
Bringing Tavernier on late as set-pieces become more and more crucial, could be a masterstroke by Clement, but if he does start, Maeda will be fancying his chances at the other end.
In other Rangers news, one player’s return from injury at Auchenhowie gives Clement the perfect chance to cash in this January.
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