Credit: Imago

Aheed Abrar

Mon 4 May 2026 20:45, UK

James Tavernier should have done better stopping Hearts from scoring against Rangers in the William Hill Premiership on Monday.

Chris Sutton feels the Gers’ captain was culpable both times the hosts found the back of the net at Tynecastle Park on 4 May.

Kris Boyd agreed with the former Celtic striker and wanted to see the Light Blues’ captain close down the cross before Lawrence Shankland got the eventual winner in Gorgie.

Sutton criticised the 34-year-old’s time as skipper, blasting the veteran defender for lacking determination and heart.

Tavernier will leave Ibrox at the end of the season and it looks like he will bow out after another trophyless season in Govan.

James Tavernier fights for legacy in Hearts vs Rangers

Speaking on Sky Sports after the game, Sutton said, “The finish from Kingsley is excellent, but look at the Rangers captain there, and that sums him up, his time at Rangers as a captain. He has the heart the size of a pea, he really does. He’s bad on both goals. He should react. He should smell the danger and try and block it. He doesn’t. He’s so lax there. He has killed his team.”

Boyd responded, “Chris is right there. When you see this, I’m hoping I’m going to stop the cross now. You want to react a lot quicker there. When you see someone on the other side, react, get there and stop the ball from coming in. You’ve got to get on that ball and stop the ball from coming in.”

Fans have wanted to see Tavernier get replaced for a few years now and the Gers will finally be forced into it in the summer.

The right-back has been a loyal servant for the Glaswegian outfit over the last 11 years, captaining them to number 55 under Steven Gerrard.

While the 34-year-old has been influential with his goals and assists over the years, there has been criticism of his defensive capabilities and his lack of success in terms of winning silverware.

The defender could have ended his tenure by winning number 56 at Ibrox, but that now looks unlikely after a damaging defeat against Hearts.

Danny Rohl has work to do at Ibrox

Danny Rohl needs to find a replacement for Tavernier in the upcoming transfer window, which won’t be easy.

Rangers have been trying to find the right-back’s successor for several years now, but they haven’t been able to get anyone of quality.

Max Aarons arrived on loan from Bournemouth last summer and it would be surprising to see the Light Blues keep him at the club beyond this season.

Dujon Sterling is defensively sound, but his consistent fitness issues are a massive issue for the Glaswegian outfit, and planning will surely be underway for the 2026-27 campaign now that Rohl’s team are effectively out of the title race.

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