Rangers start mooted for ‘undroppable’ James Tavernier in Champions League clash v Servette

James Tavernier will start for Rangers in their Champions League clash against Servette on Tuesday (15 August), according to Daily Record journalist Robbie Copeland.

Copeland described the Gers right-back and captain as “undroppable” for the third round second leg qualifying match.

The Scottish club take on the Swiss outfit away from home having won the first leg 2-1 at Ibrox last Wednesday (9 August).

“Captain James Tavernier is just about undroppable and as long as Ridvan Yilmaz remains on the sidelines, so is the experienced Borna Barisic,” Copeland wrote for the Daily Record.

Huge clash

It is simply a mammoth clash for Michael Beale’s side, with progression to the play-off round the only option for the Gers.

They undoubtedly could have scored more goals in the first leg clash at Ibrox, which would have eased the pressure on the Scottish side going into the second leg.

That pressure will make it a tough 90 minutes for the travelling side, as will the hostile atmosphere they can expect in Switzerland.

Captain fantastic Tavernier will undoubtedly be crucial for Beale throughout the game, not only when defending but also when attacking, with his set-piece ability needing no introduction.

Having registered 18 goals and 10 assists in all competitions last time out, the defender already has one goal to his name this season, scoring a penalty after six minutes in the first leg clash against Servette.

But he will also need his teammates to step up for the big European night, with either PSV or Sturm Graz then awaiting in the play-off round should the Gers leave Switzerland victorious.

In other Rangers news, one Gers star has sent a three-word message amid a “serious” injury scare.