James Tavernier is ‘a machine’ for reason ‘people don’t realise’ – Rangers TV pundit
Alan Hutton has heralded James Tavernier’s mental strength and stamina after another standout display for Rangers against Celtic on Sunday.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Gers defender and Rangers TV pundit insisted “people don’t realise” how physically taxing the “mental pressure” can be on the likes of the 30-year-old.
Tavernier played the whole 120 minutes in the 2-1 win at Hampden Park, having also played extra time against Braga less than 72 hours prior.
Only Connor Goldson has played more minutes than the Ibrox captain this season.
However, Hutton branded Tavernier a “machine” for his ability to perform in such a demanding role week in, week out.
Hutton told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “We talk about his stats, as in his goals and assists, but his running stats must be up there also.
“I know, I’ve played the position myself. To play full-back for 120 minutes and then go again with the added pressure, that mental pressure, people don’t realise how it affects your body. That tires you.
“To go through that again on Sunday and continuously run up and down, you could see towards the end he was getting tired. Scott Wright was coming over to cover him, if you want, to go forward.
“He couldn’t do both, that’s understandable.
“The guy is just a machine. He very rarely misses games and we can see why. He obviously looks after himself.”
Tavernier has played 50 times across all competitions this season.
He has scored 14 goals, including a brace against Braga, and contributed a further 16 assists.
In other news, pundit claims Rangers could land “astronomical” windfall after source’s transfer reveal.