Credit: Imago

James Barker

Fri 17 April 2026 7:10, UK

James Tavernier is playing for his Rangers future in this Scottish Premiership run-in, as are two others.

Danny Rohl‘s side are pushing hard to be the first Rangers team to lift the Scottish Premiership title since 2021, but they’re being made to work for it by Hearts and Celtic respectively.

Gers’ fortunes have changed drastically since Rohl arrived at Ibrox last October, and he was the toast of the Ibrox faithful after his brilliant tactical tweaks saw his side run out 6-3 winners over Falkirk last time out.

However, as we now reach the split, things are getting very real indeed at the top of the table, with one misstep from anybody likely to cost them their chances of being crowned champions.

So, with just five games to play, there are a number of Rangers stars who definitely have more riding on how they finish the season than others.

James Tavernier needs to convince Rangers of contract extension

Tavernier’s Rangers contract expires this summer, meaning we could be witnessing the final five games of one of the all-time great Ibrox careers.

Now 34, the evergreen right-back has started 23 of his 31 league outings this season, contributing eight goals and four assists to the cause.

Despite perhaps not being at his brilliant best for Rangers this season, he’s still performing at a very good level for a player of his age.

However, there’s a chance Ibrox chiefs don’t see it that way, and with his age and potentially a desire to embrace the future at that position this summer, Tavernier isn’t guaranteed to be handed a new deal.

But, he could very much shift the odds in his favour with a big final five games, especially if he can inspire Rangers to a Premiership title.

Mohamed Diomande needs to win starting role back

A player who has split opinion among Rangers fans since he first signed on loan back in January 2024, Mohamed Diomande has endured a down year at Ibrox in 2025-26.

Having started 16 of his 26 league appearances, the Ivory Coast international has lost his grip on a starting role over recent weeks.

Indeed, his last inclusion in Rohl’s starting XI was against Celtic in the Scottish Cup quarter-final on 8 March, whilst he’s not started in the league since the 1-1 draw with Motherwell on 11 February respectively.

Contracted with Rangers until 2028, the 24-year-old shouldn’t fall into the trap of feeling safe in a long-term contract, as Rohl has a plethora of midfield options at his disposal now moving forward.

Therefore, unless he can win his starting role back before the end of the season, or at least show some form, then Diomande could well be on the chopping block this summer.

Andreas Skov Olsen’s Rangers transfer is hanging in the balance

Signed on loan from Wolfsburg with a permanent option in January, Andreas Skov Olsen hasn’t quite had the impact many Rangers fans were hoping to see from him.

The 26-year-old is now in the prime years of his career, and has some top pedigree with the likes of Wolfsburg, Club Brugge and Bologna on his CV respectively.

However, the Danish international has blown hot and cold for Gers so far, with one goal and three assists from his eight league outings so far a solid return, but certainly by way of goals, more was expected.

And, with the likes of Oliver Antman and Djeidi Gassama for company on the right, Skov Olsen needs to enjoy a big end to the season if Rangers are to feel confident of triggering his costly permanent option this summer.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Govan.