Rangers round-up: Benitez claim emerges, Tavernier exit verdict delivered
Rangers will be looking to end the season strongly and potentially win silverware by clinching the Europa League.
The San Francisco 49ers appear on course to completing the takeover which is expected to be finalised soon.
With plenty being reported about Gers, Ibrox News has prepared a news round-up for 4 April.
Rafael Fernandes absence explained
David Edgar was asked about Rafael Fernandes’ situation at Ibrox since his loan move in January.
The 22-year-old has made just three senior appearances for Gers since joining from Lille and is yet to start in the league.
His only start game in the Scottish Cup defeat against Queens Park.
He wrote on X: “Just not good enough mate. Really that simple.”
Derek Ferguson issues verdict on James Tavernier’s future
James Tavernier’s future at Rangers is always a topic for discussion, given his inconsistent performances for the Ibrox outfit.
Derek Ferguson chimed in to give a verdict on his potential exit this summer as he’s got just one year left on his current deal.
The former Gers player as lauded the captain for how’s responded in a new position under Barry Ferguson.
Ferguson, speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, said: “Since the change positionally he’s done really well defensively.
“I’ve been critical of him for being caught on his blindside, but he’s improved that – is that to do with the new coaches?
“He’s due a testimonial, so maybe it will be a case of one more year. But whether he’d be a permanent fixture is debatable.
| Tavernier | Rangers |
| Scottish Premiership apps | 341 |
| Scottish Premiership goals | 94 |
| Overall apps | 504 |
| Overall goals | 130 |
“You’d hope Rangers would bring in a better quality of player to the club. Would Tavernier be happy playing second fiddle?
“Sometimes in this day and age, players want assurances they’ll play regularly. I don’t agree with that but it does happen.
“So I can see him maybe staying on for one more year in his testimonial year. That’d probably make a bit more sense.”
Rafa Benitez backed to become the next Rangers manager
Rafa Benitez, who’s had an illustrious managerial career, including winning the Champions League with Liverpool, is linked with the Gers job.
Thus far, an approach has not been made but he is among the names mentioned and potentially being considered.
He has been given the seal of approval by Derek Ferguson who’s raved about his illustrious exploits at winning silverware.
“You look at his CV and it shows you he’s won plenty,” Ferguson exclusively told Ibrox News.
“Barry brings passion and everything Rangers supporters want, but at the end of the day, when you look at a CV, Benitez’s is second to none. You can’t ignore that.
“I’m like a lot of the supporters in being excited by results under Barry, but when there’s guys of the calibre of Benitez putting their name forward, I’m all for that.
“I just want Rangers to be back competing with Celtic. Guys of Benitez’s quality will only help with that.”