Rangers may have found ‘flying’ James Tavernier replacement after what expert has seen
Alan Hutton has backed Adam Devine to take James Tavernier’s place at Rangers.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Gers defender said Devine has “passed his audition with flying colours” after starting against Hibernian and Aberdeen.
As quoted by the Daily Record (12 December), the 19-year-old said he hopes to “stamp his authority” in the side and keep playing regularly.
The right-back 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.
The defender has started for the Light Blues in both games since their return, including Tuesday’s narrow 3-2 win over Aberdeen.
He has been filling in for Borna Barisic who is yet to return from the World Cup and injured Ridvan Yilmaz.
But Hutton suggested Devine could push for Tavernier’s place.
“I thought he passed that audition with flying colours,” he told Football Insider.
“For somebody who is a right-sided full-back, to play left-sided. The way he got forward, he got involved in play, overlapping runs. He makes crosses into the box with his left foot, which is not his strongest side.
“I think he can be very happy with his performances. I am hoping that we see him a lot more and hopefully pushes James Tavernier because that is his normal position.
“I think there is definitely a player within there that can go and do that.“
In other news, a pundit has slammed Ryan Kent as new Rangers details emerge – ‘Celtic should be happy’.