James Tavernier posts new message after Rangers win v Panathinaikos
Rangers fans woke up happy after a commanding 2-0 victory in their Champions League qualifying opener against Panathinaikos on Tuesday.
In the first competitive game of the season, Russell Martin’s side withstood some early pressure to score two great goals on the counter-attack and make themselves strong favourites to progress in Athens.
It was a new-look side following a busy transfer window, with Findlay Curtis and Djeidi Gassama both scoring their first senior competitive Rangers goals.
A familiar face led Rangers out at Ibrox, though. James Tavernier wore the captain’s armband in his 11th season at Rangers, despite some fans questioning whether he has a future.
Now, Tavernier is leading the celebrations with a social media post congratulating his teammates.
Tavernier congratulates Rangers teammates in social media post
Tavernier took to Instagram on Wednesday to give a shout-out to Curtis and Gassama for their goals.
The 33-year-old mentioned that he “loved being back in a competitive environment” and finished his caption with a defiant statement of on to Wednesday.
Former Rangers star Leon Balogun was among those showing support for Tavernier in the comments, with an image including the fire emoji.
It was Tavernier’s 515th competitive appearance for Rangers.
Tavernier still has a crucial role to play at Rangers
Tavernier has been somewhat of a scapegoat for Rangers’ lack of success during recent years.
Some critics have pointed to his defensive lapses and declining pace as reasons for him to be sold this summer. He’s been labelled as ‘finished’ at Rangers more times than he probably cares to remember.
However, he continues to bounce back and prove his worth to the Glasgow club time and again.
| James Tavernier Rangers statistics | |
| Signed | July 2015 |
| Appearances | 515 |
| Goals | 130 |
He was part of a defence that kept a clean sheet against Panathinaikos at Ibrox. It was suggested that Max Aarons might replace him in Rangers’ back four, but the new loan signing was shifted to left-back while Tavernier kept his place on the right.
Tavernier’s attacking nous and his experience on big European nights could prove priceless for Rangers this season, starting with the return leg against Panathinaikos on 30 July.
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