James Tavernier set for final chance to save his Rangers career as defender surely out vs Kilmarnock
James Tavernier could be about to play to save his Rangers career in Wednesday night’s meeting with Kilmarnock.
The club captain has played a vital role at Ibrox over the years, but fans have been growing increasingly frustrated with his performances in the Scottish Premiership so far this season.
Rangers fans are ready to see Tavernier leave when his current contract expires in the summer, and there has been little indication so far from the club that an extension could be on the horizon.
Danny Rohl has continued to use the 34-year-old regularly of late, but that has done little to prevent his place in the team coming under heavy scrutiny.
James Tavernier to play for a contract amid Dujon Sterling absence
Tavernier had a shocker for Rangers in their 3-1 defeat to Porto in the Europa League last week, and he was subsequently dropped by Rohl for the trip to Hibernian as a result.
Dujon Sterling took his place on the right side of the defence and turned in a positive display on his return from injury, as he played a vital role in the Gers securing another clean sheet at Easter Road.
However, Rohl will now be forced to shuffle the pack once again for Wednesday night’s clash with Kilmarnock, as Sterling appears to have already been ruled out of the game.
This Is Ibrox podcast host Iain Mitchell shared an email that he had received from Rangers on X on Wednesday, which outlined that Sterling will be present at the fan zone for the Kilmarnock game.
That certainly suggests that the game has come too soon for the recent returnee in terms of his fitness, and Tavernier will surely be in line to reclaim his right-back spot as a result.
The veteran is effectively playing for his future at this stage of the season, and he may never get a better opportunity to turn in a performance that convinces Rohl that he is worthy of another deal.
Rohl has perfect chance to hand debut to Ryan Naderi vs Kilmarnock
Rangers sealed the signing of Ryan Naderi shortly after Monday night’s transfer deadline, as the German became their fourth and final addition of the winter window.
Despite the deal for the 22-year-old not being officially completed until after the deadline had passed, the Daily Record confirmed in its print edition on 4 February that the frontman is able to make his debut against Kilmarnock.
Neil McCann’s side are struggling in the lower reaches of the Premiership table at the moment, and their expectations will be low for the daunting trip to Ibrox.
With that in mind, the midweek clash could represent the perfect opportunity for Rohl to throw Naderi in at the deep end for his debut, knowing that there will not be as much pressure on his countryman as there would be in a bigger game.
Rangers will need their new arrival to come in and hit the ground running if he is to fire them to the league title in the second half of the season, and the Kilmarnock clash could represent the ideal starting point for him.