
‘James Tavernier questions answered at Rangers’: Major Celtic clash update
Rangers captain James Tavernier has answered all questions about his form after his “top performance” against Tottenham, according to Alan Hutton.
The Gers hosted Spurs at the Ibrox on 12 December and came out with a 1-1 draw despite dominating proceedings, heading into an Old Firm cup final at Hampden three days later.
The 33-year-old has faced scrutiny this season due to poor performances and rumours linking him with a transfer away.
However, after an assist for Hamza Igamane’s opener and an improved display defensively, the captain is said to have answered his critics after dealing with the likes of Brennan Johnson and Son Heung-min.
Speaking on TNT Sports, Alan Hutton said (10:09pm): Some tough tests there, proper Premier League players, and he stood up to it all.
“He created the goal. Yes, there’s been questions asked of him at the start of the season, but he’s answered them all!”
“This is what the manager will be wanting. He’s the captain of the club for a reason. His stats are there for all to be seen, and he put on a top performance tonight. He’s saying ‘I deserve to be playing at the weekend’.”
Former Tottenham striker Peter Crouch also agreed with Hutton’s observation. He said he’s “up there with some of the great players this club’s had”.
Rangers hope that James Tavernier can keep form ahead of Old Firm Derby
Despite facing criticism, the Englishman has started 22 out of 25 matches for Philippe Clement’s side across all competitions.
Though he hasn’t been as prolific this season as last, he has still contributed three goals and six assists. He registered 36 goal contributions last season and 28 the season before, offering hope that he can still be pivotal [TransferMarkt].
After the team’s fast-paced performance last night, he took to social media, noting, “Full focus on Sunday”. This suggests he could start the League Cup final against Celtic.

The Glasgow side have gone nine games without losing across all competitions and certainly don’t want that streak to end at Hampden Park.
Despite this recent turnaround, they sit 11 points behind their arch-rivals. A defeat would place immediate pressure on Clement following the arrival of new CEO Patrick Stewart.
Tavernier has finally started getting involved more regularly with Gers goals again and with Neraysho Kasanwirjo ruled out long-term the skipper’s uptick in form couldn’t come soon enough.
In other news, a Leeds striker is “keen to sign” for Rangers.
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