Gary Keown believes James Tavernier faces a difficult future with Rangers and that the club must act brutally
On page 92 of the Scottish Daily Mail [10 November], Keown indicated that Tavernier should no longer be Philippe Clement’s first choice going forward if the club wants to succeed on the pitch.
The long-serving captain has one goal and three assists in 19 games this season, and the Gers have preserved nine clean sheets across all competitions before meeting struggling Hearts on Sunday [10 November].
“If [Tavernier] could defend as well as he delivers goals and assists, he’d be turning out for Barcelona and up for the Ballon D’or,” Keown joked.
Are the Rangers planning to phase out James Tavernier at Ibrox?
Unless Tavernier leaves Rangers in January, the club is unlikely to go all out to trade him.
By next summer, the club captain will be nearing 34 years old, with a year left on his contract and a lot of experience at Ibrox.
Any major sell-on value will have lessened, and it is possible that he is granted his testimonial and permitted to accept one of the offers he will undoubtedly receive as a show of goodwill.
“It is becoming evident why fans wanted him replaced over the summer. Dujon Sterling, if fit, should remain at right-back, with Nana Kasanwirjo an option, leaving Rangers in a delicate position with captain Tavernier being touted for a testimonial in the final year of his contract next season.
“It’s difficult to determine whether long-serving players have hit their peak performance, but the truth is this. Professional football is harsh. Everything revolves on results, and this finally applies to both players and management. On current form, the Ibrox club cannot afford to keep their skipper as a first-team pick this season, let alone next.
Rangers phasing out James Tavernier at Ibrox?
Unless Tavernier were to leave Rangers in January, it is unlikely the club will go hell for leather in looking to move him on.
By the time next summer rolls around, the club captain will be approaching 34 with 12 months remaining on his deal and a considerable mileage from his decade-long journey at Ibrox.
Any significant sell-on value will have diminished, and it may turn out he is granted his testimonial and allowed to take up one of the offers he will certainly receive, as a gesture of goodwill.
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