James Tavernier in for Rangers vs Celtic heartbreak after Danny Rohl squad update
James Tavernier has been one of the most impactful players for Rangers in the William Hill Premiership.
The captain will surely be hoping to play a role against Celtic at Ibrox on 1 March as the Gers look to keep pace with Hearts at the top of the league table.
In the current campaign, the right-back has surprisingly been the Light Blues’ leading goalscorer in all competitions and has been one of the biggest attacking threats under Danny Rohl.
Despite the 34-year-old’s impressive numbers, fans in G51 have been calling for his replacement for some time now, and the defender may not get a chance to start in what could possibly be one of his last Old Firm derbies at Ibrox.
Danny Rohl must go with Dujon Sterling vs Celtic after fitness update
Dujon Sterling has been one of the most frustrating figures for the Gers’ supporters, mainly due to his consistent injuries.
There’s no doubt about the Englishman’s talent at Ibrox, but the versatile defender’s fitness issues have undoubtedly hindered his prospects in recent seasons.
Rohl has already faced several setbacks with the former Chelsea ace this season, but he could be ready to face Celtic after an update on the right-back and Ryan Naderi.
Speaking to the media on 27 February, the German manager said, “Both [Sterling and Naderi] are in the training. If it’s enough to be in the squad, I have to decide tomorrow. It looks better, but today is not the day to say they are in or out. We need one more session to see how they reacted after the training session yesterday and then we can go forward.”
When comparing Sterling and Tavernier, there’s clearly one winner when it comes to their defensive statistics in the William Hill Premiership this season, with the younger defender averaging 1.3 interceptions, being dribbled past 0.4 times, making 3.9 clearances and blocking 0.6 shots.
As for the veteran right-back, he has averaged 0.6 interceptions, has been dribbled past 0.6 times, made 2.7 clearances and blocked 0.2 shots, as per Sofascore.
Danny Rohl has another priority in Ibrox starting lineup vs Celtic
Most fans will admit that Sterling brings more defensive stability to the Gers when he plays instead of Tavernier, with the captain also maybe losing his legs late in games due to his age.
If the 26-year-old is fit, he should start, and Rohl has a similar decision to make with Naderi, who supporters want to see in the starting lineup alongside Youssef Chermiti.
The Portugal Under-21 international played his best game in a Rangers shirt against Hearts, as seen in the Sofscore graphic above, scoring a hat-trick in the 4-2 win at Ibrox, and the German striker played alongside him.
With the former Hansa Rostock forward making an immediate impact at the Light Blues, he should be in the team for one of their most important games of the season.
For more in-depth analysis on the Gers, visit Football Insider.