Emotional James Tavernier reaction after Rangers vs Celtic speaks volumes – ‘You could see…’
James Tavernier looked “broken” following Rangers‘ Scottish Cup defeat by Celtic.
That is according to Tom Miller, who shared a brief conversation with the Gers captain in the aftermath of the brutal penalty shootout loss at Ibrox on Sunday.
Tavernier was brought on as a second-half substitute and took a spot-kick, only to become the first man to miss from 12 yards as Danny Rohl’s side crashed out.
His attempt clattered against the crossbar before Djeidi Gassama also blazed off target, condemning an out-of-form Rangers to another Old Firm setback.
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How did James Tavernier react after Old Firm blow?
Miller has now given a glimpse into Tavernier’s emotional post-match state, claiming that the 34-year-old’s costly mistake was visibly weighing on him.
An employee of the club and long-serving Rangers TV commentator, the insider would be well placed to decipher the mood around the talisman, whose future is uncertain.
Miller told Five Stars VIP: “Had the briefest of chats with James Tavernier after the match, and to say he was troubled, he was broken, it probably does not even hit the mark.
“You could see how visibly upset he was.”
Tavernier’s Rangers farewell date has been brought forward after the cup knockout, with the veteran set to walk away from Ibrox after a glittering decade-long spell in the summer.
As a result, the Scottish Cup may well have represented his last chance of bowing out on a high, especially with Gers trailing Premiership leaders Hearts by six points.
Rangers simply must hand Tavernier new contract
Simply, Rangers would be making an almighty mistake if they allowed Tavernier to leave.
Despite his advancing age, the full-back is leading the top-flight for the most big chances created, carving out 16 for his team-mates so far this season.
According to Sofascore, his tally of 2.1 key passes per match is also the best in the division, placing him just ahead of Hearts midfielder Alexandros Kyziridis.
These numbers are even more impressive considering that Tavernier has started just 20 of his 27 league matches this campaign, and prove he has no plans to simply fade away.
The solution, then, is simple: Rangers must step up talks over his new deal, and fast.
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