James Tavernier: McAvennie drops brutal Rangers verdict
Rangers captain James Tavernier has been on the receiving end of stick from supporters following a slow start to the season.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, ex-Celtic and Scotland striker Frank McAvennie has labeled criticism of Tavernier ’embarrassing’, claiming there are worse things currently going on at Rangers than the 32-year-old’s early season form.
The right-back has been subject to interest from various Turkish clubs throughout the summer but he now looks set to stay at the Glasgow club with their transfer window set to close on Friday (September 13).
Rangers have worse things to worry about than James Tavernier
Philippe Clement’s side currently sit in fourth place, five points behind arch-rivals Celtic at the summit of the Scottish Premier League after four games.
Tavernier was Rangers’ top goal scorer and assist maker last season, contributing to 36 goals across all competitions for the club.
“The boy getting the blame for these things, it’s embarrassing,” McAvennie told Football Insider.
“The abuse he was getting last week, it’s not Tavernier’s fault, he was their top goalscorer, my god.
“They were calling him a serial loser, he looked disinterested last week in some of the chasing back, it’s got to him I think.
“The fans are not going to help him, they’re not helping themselves or helping the team by picking on Tavernier.
“I mean, I don’t know any other right-back who’s scored so many goals, it’s incredible, some of the strikers would be proud of that.
“I think it’s more than just Tavernier because he’s the captain he’s getting the blame, fans calling him a serial loser.
“I’m sorry, but there is more wrong at Rangers than Tavernier, you can’t put the performance of the whole team on one guy’s head.”
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