49ers ‘to sort out Leeds United’ friendly if Rangers player wants it
Rangers have already got an action-packed pre-season planned so far.
With Russell Martin set to take charge of the Gers squad for the first time, anticipation is high for how the Glasgow club will perform in the upcoming friendlies.
Rangers have friendlies with Club Brugge and Middlesbrough planned, with Champions League qualifiers against Panathinaikos also set to take place at the end of July.
Nevertheless, the 49ers could be set to organise a fairly high-profile match further down the line.
Tavernier could request to play Leeds United in testimonial
James Tavernier has been a fantastic servant at Ibrox for many years.
The Rangers captain is set to enter his 11th year at the Glasgow club this season as he looks to add to his trophy cabinet.
With the right-back set to turn 34 years old this summer, there is a real possibility that this campaign could be the Rangers legend’s last in Glasgow.
| James Tavernier at Rangers | |
| Appearances | 513 |
| Goals | 130 |
| Assists | 142 |
| Honours | Scottish Premiership x1, Scottish Cup x1, Scottish League Cup x1, Scottish Championship x1, Scottish Challenge Cup x1 |
This was only heightened when it was announced that Martin had signed Max Aarons on loan earlier this week.
Now, talk of a Tavernier testimonial have emerged to honour the Rangers captain for his dedication to the Gers, likely in a year’s time.
According to Scott McDermott via the Daily Record (26 June), the 49ers should be able to sort out a friendly against Leeds United if this is what the right-back wishes.
The Peacocks are the 33-year-old’s boyhood club, and given Rangers’ links to the Premier League side, sorting out a friendly shouldn’t be an issue.
Indeed, it makes perfect sense for Tavernier’s testimonial to be against Leeds at Ibrox, whenever that may be.
Tavernier has been an incredible servant for Rangers
When Tavernier does leave Rangers, it will be impossible for the Glasgow club to truly replace him.
On top of his ability on the pitch, his excellent leadership qualities in and around the Gers has been vital in recent years.
It will no doubt be a struggle for Martin to find anyone close to what Tavernier brings to the table, even if he is no longer at his previous high levels.
When he does eventually call time on his Ibrox career, he will leave with the best wishes of every supporter.
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