Rangers expert drops verdict on Tavernier taking on new Ibrox role
Alan Hutton has backed Adam Devine to make things difficult for James Tavernier at Rangers.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Gers defender said once Michael Beale gets Borna Barisic and Ridvan Yilmaz back, Devine can start challenging for his more favourable position.
The 19-year-old right-back has been filling in for the injured Yilmaz and World Cup runner up Barisic.
Devine has been playing at left-back for the Light Blues and has started all of their games since the restart.
As quoted by the Daily Record (12 December), the defender said he hopes to “stamp his authority” in the side and keep playing regularly.
He said that it can be hard to get past Tavernier because he is the captain but he is willing to play on the left if there is more chance of game time.
But when asked if the captain should be playing out of position instead of the less-experienced Devine, Hutton told Football Insider: “I think if Beale had considered doing it he would have done it by now.
“He has had opportunities. I think Devine has come in and done really well for someone so young to play on the opposite side is obviously difficult for an experienced player never mind a young guy.
“He seems to be playing with a freedom, he still wants to go forward and create and get on the ball. He is not scared to get on his left foot. I do not see why he would want to change it.
“I can tell you that if he was going to he would have done it in the first game. It is working at this moment in time.
“Hopefully he can get the likes of Yilmaz and Barisic back and Devine can challenge Tavernier for the right-back spot.“
In other news, according to an expert, Steven Davis could be set for Rangers return after ‘huge’ twist – expert.