Rangers defender happy to play attacking role following stint v Celtic
By Emma Sanders
Rangers defender James Tavernier has stated he will play in any position, even up front, if Mark Warburton asks him to.
The right-back played as part of an attacking trio during Rangers’ 1-0 defeat against Celtic in the semi-final of the Betfred League Cup last month.
Lee Hodson was drafted in to take up the right-back role while Tavernier ran out in attack for the Ibrox side and he said he is happy to do so again if needed.
“I was a little bit surprised when I found out I was playing there but I was excited to have the chance to be higher up the pitch,” Tavernier told the club’s official website.
“I did the job on the day but I do see myself as a right-back – but if the manager needs me to fill in anywhere I am happy to do so.”
The 25 year-old is an attacking full-back and often pushes high during games but he found himself in a much more advanced role against Celtic.
However, Tavernier returned to his role in defence as Rangers produced a commanding 3-0 victory against Kilmarnock last Saturday.
The right-back scored 15 goals for the club last season – a record-breaking figure for a defender and could feature in a more attacking role again as Hodson continues to fight for a place in the side.
Hodson made his first Premiership start three days after the Old Firm derby, following a loan switch from MK Dons in the summer and will be hoping for more opportunities at right-back.
In other Rangers news, this trio could all be the perfect replacement for Nico Kranjcar according to Joe Garner.