Rangers

Motherwell's Emmanuel Longelo scored a stunning 90th-minute winner to dent Rangers' Scottish Premiership title hopes in a fabulous, five-goal epic at Ibrox.

MATCH REPORT

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Rangers head coach Danny Rohl: "It's tough when you are 2-0 down. You have to fight and you have to do a lot of things right in the second half and we did until we conceded the goal at 3-2.

"Second half, we played a good game, then created a lot of chances for the 3-2, 4-2 for our side. Yeah and finally, it was then unlucky, we conceded one more goal and then it's tough to come back.

"I must say I've been complimenting my players about the reaction, how much courage we put in, quality, intensity and it was good to see. Today, it's a little bit tough to take but we keep believing and this is the most important thing - four more finals.

"My job is to lift the group. I will lift, I will stand in front and lead them and then we go again. We showed in the last couple of weeks and months how strong we are growing as a group.

"There will be no negativity from my side after one game. We have to go forward. I'm strong enough and it's not over.

"We will prepare [for Tynecastle]. We will be ready and we will show again a reaction and then we go again and then let's see which direction it goes."

The SPFL hope to make a call on the latest Old Firm away tickets row by Monday evening, with Rangers complaining after Celtic refused to hand over the 2,200 allocation for the 10 May derby unless the Union Bears ultras group are barred. (Daily Record - subscription required), external

Former Rangers player and coach Jimmy Nicholl reckons Rangers would be in safe hands with Northern Ireland goalkeeper Pierce Charles, with the 20-year-old heavily linked with a move to Ibrox. (Daily Record - subscription required), external

David Currie
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Emmanuel Fernandez says he felt "shellshocked" when captain James Tavernier told the team he was leaving at the end of the season.

The central defender, who is in his first campaign with the Ibrox club, says he and his team-mates want to give Tavernier the "perfect send-off" by winning the Premiership title.

"No one really spoke up after he told us, but I feel like we all congratulated him at the end and showed our love," Fernandez said.

"And I feel like it was a moment that we all knew now we've got to really kick on for the rest of the season and bring something back for him.

"I feel like this would be the perfect send-off for him if we could lift the title. I think it's something we want to fight for even more now."

The Nigeria international was playing League One football in England last season with Peterborough, and says Tavernier played a big part in making him feel welcome at Ibrox.

"When I first signed, it was a difficult moment for me," he added. "I didn't know what I was coming into. A club the size of Rangers - you never really understand.

"But I feel like his calm leadership kind of carries you through. He's not a loud leader, he's not very prominent in the way he goes about things.

"Even on the pitch, it makes you feel calm and makes you feel like you can just play your game.

"I feel like from when I first came in, if there was someone who had my back, it was Tav. I feel like he supported me in moments where I needed support, and even from when I began playing, he was someone pushing my corner for me to play."

The 24-year-old defender sees Tavernier as something of a role model.

"There are moments in your career where you may go through harder times - especially here, you can go through hard times - and I feel like someone like him is someone you can learn from," Fernandez said.

Fernandez is the only Rangers player to make it into the PFA Scotland Premiership team of the year - something he is a little surprised by.

"It was a bit of a shock, you know, because I started playing a bit late," he said. "I think I started playing around November time. But to be named in it, I can't be more grateful to my team-mates, to the staff here, and also for the recognition from the other players in the league."

As well as earning him a spot in that PFA Scotland XI, his performances in the Premiership earned him a call-up to the Nigeria national team.

He scored on his debut last month against Iran in a friendly and made his first start against Jordan.

He has also apparently been attracting the attention of other clubs, according to reports, and has been linked with Borussia Dortmund and Manchester United.

Fernandez says that's news to him.

"I haven't heard anything," he insisted. "I've still got four years left on my contract. I see myself being here. I'm happy I'm here. I'm happy to be here. I'm happy to carry on being here."

Danny Rohl feels a Scottish Premiership title triumph this season would feel more special for Rangers than the 2020-21 success as it would be in front of fans. (Daily Record), external

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Rangers remain without Ryan Naderi and Tuur Rommens but Danny Rohl is upeat about the chances of their return soon.

Motherwell midfielder Callum Slattery returns from suspension while Regan Charles-Cook is back from injury.

Eythor Bjorgolfsson and Johnny Koutroumbis are set to rejoin training soon following muscle injuries while long-term absentee Zach Robinson remains out.

Jack Herrall
BBC Sport Scotland

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Despite being in the midst of one of the most compelling title races in years, Rangers head coach Danny Rohl is already ramping up plans for next season.

At the club's warm-weather training camp in Spain last week, Rohl and his staff prepared the squad for the title run-in and had daily discussions with the board over summer recruitment.

"Yeah, I look at a lot of videos at the moment, not just games, also players," said Rohl.

"I think it was a really great spirit in this camp.

"We had a daily meeting every day with the board. I think we have a good group together at the minute, we are very clear what we want.

"It's good to start and to prepare a lot of things now. It will be a long summer, especially with the World Cup.

"You never know what happens, but it helps that we have a clear direction in which way we want to go.

"I can just say a big thank you also to [chairman] Andrew [Cavenagh] to make this camp happen.

"It was a big wish from my side, now it's going to the final five games.

"This is the most important thing that you can be... how can I describe it? Be happy that we are in a good way to prepare also for the summer."

Rangers' training camp was a chance for Rohl to work with his squad uninterrupted for the first time since his arrival, and he reckons they struck a good balance between hard graft and team bonding.

The German, whose side return to action against Motherwell on Saturday, said: "It was a good mix between hard working on the pitch and good togetherness off the pitch as well.

"I think it was a strong atmosphere in the last couple of days. I think everyone felt it. It was nice to have some fans around us in the camp. We invited them for dinner. All in all, it was nice to be there for five days."

Alasdair Lamont
BBC Sport Scotland Commentator

What a few weeks we have in store as the most incredible season in living memory reaches a climax. Rangers have put themselves in a fantastic position to end it in glorious fashion.

Hearts and Celtic will be feeling the same thing, of course, and anyone who claims with any great certainty that they know how it's going to unravel is at it.

First things first, Rangers have to deal with a Motherwell side that were justifiably well represented in the PFA's Team of the Year but that are currently enduring their worst run of form of the season.

Rangers won't be taking them lightly, however. They will have watched their last outing against Hearts and realise the 3-1 scoreline disguises the fact Motherwell could have been two or three up before the league leaders mounted an impressive comeback.

Danny Rohl will surely also be impressing upon his players that they cannot afford to start any of their final five fixtures in the manner they began their most recent match against Falkirk.

Sure, they recovered to trounce John McGlynn's side in the end, but such sloppiness will surely be punished if it is allowed to creep in during the final straight.

The psychological aspect of this title run-in is fascinating. Arguably the team that deals best with the pressure will come out on top in the end.

Rangers will probably expect to be third by the time they kick off against Motherwell on Sunday, with Celtic at home to Falkirk the previous evening, but they could be top by the close of play if things go their way with a victory at Ibrox and a Hearts slip-up away to Hibs.

But it's impossible to predict, so let's just wait and see what transpires over another fascinating weekend.

David Currie
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Rangers boss Danny Rohl has been speaking to the media before his side host Motherwell on Saturday.

Here are the key lines:

• Rohl says it will be a "beautiful moment" and the "biggest goodbye" should outgoing skipper James Tavernier lead the club to the title in his final season.

• He says Tavernier made the final decision on his future and although there's never "good timing" for such announcements, it's good to get "clarity".

• Asked if he would have like Tavernier to stay, Rohl replies: "This is not a topic for today."

• The German adds on Tavernier: "Since I've been here he was a good captain for us, he leads the group on and off the pitch. He is a legend of the club and made an amazing career here. He spoke to the group and I think the most important thing is now we have 21 days to go, five games, focus on these five games and then he will have an incredible goodbye, what he deserved."

• Tuur Rommens and Ryan Naderi - who is back "sooner than expected" - are set to be fit in time to play some part in the title run-in. Rohl says: "For the weekend they are not available, but it looks very positive for the four games after."

• Rohl describes Rangers' warm-weather training camp in Spain last week as "a good mix between hard working on the pitch, a good togetherness off the pitch" and reveals some fans who were there joined the squad for dinner.

• He had productive transfer talks with the Rangers hierarchy: "We have a great conversation. I think it was really great spirit in this camp. We had a daily meeting every day with the board... we are very clear what we want."

• Rohl reveals he was approached in the park yesterday by a Rangers fan, a season-ticket holder for 40 years, who told him winning the title would be "amazing because nobody from us thought we had a chance this season".

• Rangers have to be "careful" against Motherwell, who Rohl says have deserved better recent results amid a five-game winless run and "always create chances" as they play with "calmness and bravery".

• On Celtic captain Callum McGregor's claim the Parkhead side have the edge in the title race despite sitting third, Rohl says: "The most important thing is that we have the belief, we have the confidence that we can win games."

• He stressed Rangers will "keep believing", adding: "We spoke about nine finals, we won the first four finals, it was a good first step. Now we have the next final where we have to go. We try to play our best football in the last five games - if we do this, we have a big opportunity."

• On Emmanuel Fernandez being linked with Arsenal this week: "Manny knows as well what he has here. I think he developed very quickly. We should not forget one year ago he played in League One, now he plays for a big club."

• Rohl says it is a "big compliment" to Rangers that they this week secured 16-year-old full-back Ashton Scally on a first professional contract despite "a lot of interest from a lot of big clubs".

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Andy Halliday reckons there would be no better way for Rangers captain James Tavernier to sign off than winning the title.

Tavernier, who announced he would leave the club at the conclusion of this season, has won one league title in his 11 years at Ibrox and now has just five games left at the club.

Halliday was the full-back's team-mate in over 100 games and also believes the 34-year-old's impact at the club won't be properly appreciated until he has left.

"I think there's no better way to end an 11-year career at Rangers than by lifting the trophy as a captain at the end of the season," Halliday said on the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"I'm sure Hearts and Celtic have loads to say about that.

"It's always really surprised me how kind of split the Rangers fans' opinion over James Tavernier is.

"Over the 11 years, he's arguably been the best player in the majority of the seasons and I feel as if they had more James Taverniers in those seasons, Rangers would have won a lot more trophies than they did.

"The fact of the matter is, I feel as if he's almost critiqued due to team success rather than what he's been like as a player.

"But he's been an incredible servant, over 550 games, 150 goals as a right-back, taking the club to the Europa League final as captain, finishing the Europa League as top goalscorer in the tournament.

"Obviously, the real kind of negative for him is the fact that he feels as if, as a captain, he's probably not won enough at Rangers."

Despite Tavernier having started less frequently this season, Halliday points out: "He's got 20 goal contributions.

"So he still had such an impact on the pitch any time he's played.

"I remember Connor Goldson saying this years ago when Rangers won the League Cup final, and fans talked about it, but I think it's so true that Rangers fans won't appreciate James Tavernier until he's gone.

"I think in five years' time, when you look back at what he'd done at Rangers, then you really start to see a lot of positive messages about him."

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Hampus Skoglund of Hammarby has been closely monitored by Rangers for several months as they seek a replacement for departing captain James Tavernier, but the Swedish side anticipate bids from all over Europe for the 22-year-old. (Teamtalk), external

Rangers defender Emmanuel Fernandez is a target for Feyenoord and former Ibrox manager Dick Advocaat could play a key role in any approach since he is currently an advisor at the Eredivisie side. (Daily Record - subscription required), external

Former Rangers skipper Barry Ferguson says nephew Lewis could leave Bologna this summer but a move to Ibrox is unlikely given the fee the Serie A side would command for the Scotland midfielder. (5 Stars podcast via Scottish Sun), external

Tottenham Hotspur are well aware of Rangers' desire to bring on-loan winger Mikey Moore back next season, but much will depend on whether Roberto Di Zebri's side avoid relegation. (Scottish Sun), external

Nick McPheat
BBC Sport Scotland

What sort of response would you have got from a Rangers fan if you had told them their team would be one point off the top heading into the split, just as Russell Martin was being smuggled out of Falkirk in October?

After that 1-1 draw, Martin was sacked with the Ibrox side in eighth place, 11 points adrift of top spot after a run of just one win in seven league matches.

Six months later, Rangers fought back from two down at the same venue to win 6-3 and keep themselves within touching distance of Hearts.

A victory against Motherwell in their post-split opener at Ibrox on Sunday would send Danny Rohl's men to the summit, at least before the league leaders complete their Edinburgh derby at Hibernian.

It has been far from perfect under Rohl since his October appointment, but after 25 Premiership matches - yielding 18 wins, six draws, and just one defeat - a potential momentum-shifting weekend is upon them.

Fans still need convincing about their team's mental strength to go the distance and doubts will resurface if Rangers fail to start their blockbuster end to the season with a win.

The support have watched their team falter in the split in recent campaigns. In others, the league has already been all but wrapped up - including the Ibrox club's triumph five years ago.

In that title-winning season and the two that followed, Rangers collected 13 points from a possible 15, but they dropped six points last term and five the year before.

Put simply, it is difficult to emerge from the split with a perfect record. And that is before you factor in that the quality of the non-Old Firm teams in the top half has increased this campaign, while the usual standards of Celtic and Rangers have slipped.

However, after two heavy-spending transfer windows and with Rohl's side now on the shoulder of Hearts, fans will not stand for excuses.

A four-week acid test begins on Sunday against a team Rangers have failed to beat in two of their three encounters this term, having only narrowly defeated them in the other.

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Chairman Andrew Cavenagh has thanked outgoing captain James Tavernier for his "phenomenal" 11 years' service at Rangers.

Tavernier announced on Thursday he will leave at the end of the season.

In a statement, Cavenagh said: "On behalf of everyone at the club, I would like to put on record our immense thanks and gratitude to James Tavernier for his phenomenal length of service and countless achievements across his 11 years at Rangers.

"It is a real rarity for any player in modern football to stay at any one club for so long, let alone play such a key role in each and every season.

"He departs as a club legend, and his outstanding contributions will never be forgotten by anyone at the club, nor our supporters.

"As James referred to in his departure announcement, however, he hasn't left yet, and in these next five games, there is everything to play for.

"Thank you, Tav."

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• Rangers have won just two of their past seven league meetings with Motherwell (D3 L2) after winning six in a row against the Steelmen beforehand.

• Motherwell have won two of their past four league visits to Ibrox (L2), as many as their previous 45 prior to this (W2 D7 L36).

• Rangers have scored 14 goals in their past three league games, netting 4+ in each; the last side to score four or more in four consecutive Scottish top-flight games was Celtic in November 2018, while it's a feat Rangers haven't achieved since January 1968.

• Rangers have had 21 different scorers (excluding own goals) in the Premiership this season, the joint most of any club in a campaign since the competition rebranded in 2013, levelling Celtic's tallies in 2015-16, 2020-21, and 2023-24.

• Motherwell have lost four of their past five league games (D1) - as many as their previous 34 beforehand (W17 D13 L4). They have conceded 11 goals in those past five matches – as many as their previous 23 in the Scottish Premiership.

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Former Rangers midfielder Kevin Thomson was "shocked" that James Tavernier announced he would be leaving the club.

Thomson would have liked to see the captain's experience stay in the building and believes he still has plenty to offer despite appearing more as a substitute this season.

"I was actually a bit shocked when I first saw it. My phone went, I saw it on social media, a lot of comments, a lot of people posting it," Thomson told BBC Scotland.

"I still think there's a place at the club for him and I still think he can bring a lot to the party with the experience he's got.

"You can't keep everybody I suppose and one door kind of closes and another one opens for the next person to get an opportunity.

"If I had the power within the club to keep someone like Tavernier, I think you need as many good types as you can get."

Despite only winning three major trophies with the club, Thomson insists Tavernier should not be judged solely on that return and feels he will leave a hole in Rangers' squad.

"I think the general consensus within the fan base is just how brilliant a captain and how brilliant a leader he's been," Thomson said.

"I know when you start to divulge the trophies and all these types of things, I get that that's an easy narrative to throw at him, but a captain doesn't make a winning title team, it's about the team, it's about the manager, it's also about your rivals at the time.

"There's more to it than just saying that I've won X amount of trophies, but his goals, the respect that he's got within the building is massive.

"That's why I would lean towards keeping that type around the building, but at the same time, there might be a new era for the club looking forward.

"So, a wonderful player, a brilliant captain, had a brilliant relationship with the Rangers fans over the years and he will be sadly missed."

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James Tavernier goalscoring return is unparalleled for a defender, but his defensive vulnerabilities and lack of major trophies means he leaves a "complicated" legacy at Rangers.

That's according to the The Herald's Stephen McGowan, after Tavernier announced he will leave Ibrox at the end of this season.

The English defender signed from Wigan in 2015 and has gone on to score 144 goals and contribute 148 assists in 562 appearances.

He won the Scottish Premiership in the 2020-21 season, the Scottish Cup in 2022 and the Scottish League Cup in 2024, as well as reaching the Europa League final in 2022.

"He's definitely one of these players that fit into that category of 'You'll miss him when he's gone' and he'll only be fully appreciated when that's the case," McGowan said on the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"But it's complicated. For the cash paid it's a tremendous piece of value. 562 games, 144 goals, 148 assists. Won a league, won a Scottish Cup, won a League Cup. He led Rangers to a Europa League final in Seville, which I think probably was his highlight of his time at Rangers.

"But, there is always a but with James Tavernier, because he was a polarising figure because he won three out of 30 major tournaments, major trophies.

"I think there's always a feeling with a Rangers captain there should be more than that along the way.

"Not only that, but also that feeling he didn't defend as well as he might have at times because we can all remember high-profile examples like Daizen Maeda and so on where in big games goals seemed to be lost on his side of the pitch."

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Rangers are keen on Moreirense centre-back Gilberto Batista, with the 22-year-old Guinea international valued at around £2.6m by the Portuguese club. (O Jogo - in Portuguese), external

Rangers want to make the loan for Nasser Djiga a permanent transfer, but Wolverhampton Wanderers intend to recoup their £10m investment in the 23-year-old Burkina Faso defender. (226foot.com - in French), external

Jack Butland could be the next big name to depart Rangers as manager Danny Rohl prepares for a huge summer transfer window at Ibrox. (Football Insider), external

Celtic may rival Rangers in the race to sign Northern Ireland goalkeeper Pierce Charles from Sheffield Wednesday. (talkSPORT), external

Former Rangers coach Alex Rae has questioned the "strange" timing of James Tavernier's exit announcement, calling news of the captain's summer departure "a distraction". (Scottish Sun), external

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We asked for your views on James Tavernier's Rangers career after the captain announced he will leave at the end of the season following an 11-year stint.

Here is a selection of your thoughts:

Steven: Tavernier has always carried himself well and behaved the way a Rangers captain should. However, despite this and all his goals and assists, his defending has always been poor and mistakes have possibly offset many of those goals! He's been a fantastic servant and captain to the club during many difficult times and leaves with his head held high.

Louise: Tavernier has been a true servant to Rangers. He has stayed through highs and lows and quietly taken criticism and graciously taken praise. For me, Tav is a Rangers legend and a loyal captain. Though I'm sad to see him leave, now is probably a good time as he hasn't been starting every game. Let's hope he can leave on a high - thanks for everything skipper.

Chris: Tavernier has been a tremendous contributor to this club. His goals and assists have been a big part of our return from the depths of the lower leagues. He has deserved better from some sections of the fanbase who perhaps expect too much. You've still got a few seasons left, James, and I wish you the best wherever you're headed.

Paul: Tavernier gave 11 years of good service, his goalscoring record speaks for itself. Like most Rangers fans we have all suffered for years but he gave his best and gave us some great European nights. I think the last three years he was a bit off the pace but I hope he goes out with a bang and wins the 56, good luck Tavernier and thanks for all your efforts.

John: Whatever any of us would choose to say about Tavernier's time with Rangers, none of us can question his commitment and scoring record. Despite the lack of silverware for the club, we should all acknowledge his record of appearances, assist and goals scored. Thank you Tavernier.

Antony: Legend is an overused term these days. Tav is no doubt a Rangers legend. Loyal, professional, consistent and absolute quality. He could have easily played for a top, top team in any league. Have really enjoyed watching him and his goals. Thank you Tav!

Andrew: Tavernier has overall been a fantastic servant to Rangers. His goals tell the importance of his role within the team and although found wanting at times defensively he has been an anchor and such a reliable player. The amount of times he has stepped up and taken either a penalty or a free kick to score the winning goal under pressure is incredible. Thanks for the memories, forever grateful and will always be remembered, Tavernier legend.

David: Despite what some might say, Tavernier has been great for Rangers. Without his goals and assists, we would have been a lot worse off. His numbers are incredible. A few more league titles would have been nice, but he single-handedly dragged Rangers above and beyond the team they were. Unforgettable nights in the Europa League were amazing. The question is: who do we replace him with? it's going to take a while.

Gordon: A great captain who deserves a proper send-off. Has had his critics but delivered when it mattered and played with passion. The number of goals he contributed can't be understated; the man deserves special recognition and the club owes him its gratitude. Sadly there are those who will only truly recognise his worth and contribution to the club post departure.

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James Tavernier has "lifted up his team more than he has dragged it down".

That's the view of Joshua Barrie, editor of the Rangers Review, as he digests the impending exit of the long-serving Ibrox captain.

"He's been someone that Rangers have relied upon too heavily at points and that has not helped him, but he's never hid away from it," Barrie told BBC Scotland.

"There's been a lot of bad moments and a lot of good moments. What I would come back to is the [2022] Europa League run.

"That was really powered by him, he was a right-back and at the peak of his career after winning the league title a year before. He scores in every single round, I think he scores the opening goal in just about every single round as well.

"He scores in the penalty shootout, but others miss and he doesn't win that title. He's so close to being a European-winning captain and that would have been more than deserved based on his contribution. But he has not played for the club in an illustrious period in terms of winning trophies.

"Some people will say he's been a part of that, of course he has, but my general viewpoint is that with time, especially if he wins this league title, that European campaign will kind of sum up that he was so often so heavily relied upon and took Rangers so far.

"He hasn't been able to always get over the line and now it will be intriguing to see if he can over these next five games."

Barrie believes the ending to this season's thrilling Premiership title race could "colour" Tavernier's legacy.

"If he plays a pivotal role in helping win it, compared to maybe the alternative to that, that will certainly determine the send-off to a degree," he added.

"However, I also think, with time, you look at the situation he came into. I remember him early on playing away at Alloa and you think of the heights he then got to with the club captaincy and then to a European final.

"It's not been perfect. Of course there's been mistakes, but I think so often that's been due to an over-reliance.

"I also think the durability, leaving as the UK's highest ever goalscorer, the ability to turn up week after week in a team that's lacked a lot of other individuals to do that.

"The 55th league title was so significant for so many reasons and that is, I think, what he will be associated with and remembered with in time."

Nick McPheat
BBC Sport Scotland

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From a perceived lack of leadership to suspect defending, James Tavernier has had to face his fair share of criticism - much of it unfair - during his 11 years at Rangers.

The list of things some supporters have attempted to lambast him for has at times been absurd. Facing scrutiny for treating himself to a chip shop takeaway comes to mind.

What cannot be disputed, however, is the captain's relentless attacking output from the right of the Ibrox side's defence.

No matter the manager - and there have been a few - Tavernier has continually produced.

In 562 Rangers games, the defender has scored 144 goals. It is silly stuff.

The instant counterpoint to try to diminish that statistic will sound something like: 'But they're all penalties.'

Granted, just over half of them have come from the spot, but when you throw in 148 assists, the 34-year-old's numbers start to look outrageous.

Even in his farewell season, Tavernier is currently Rangers' top scorer with 14 goals. Factor in his six assists and he has contributed to 20 goals this term.

For most other full-backs, that would be a career-best campaign. For Tavernier, it has become his standard.

As well as becoming a dead-ball specialist - from stunning free-kicks to deadly set-piece deliveries - he has developed a knack for timing runs and arriving at the back post in the fashion a forward would be proud of.

In five of his past 10 campaigns, he has netted at least 15 times. In one of them he managed 17. In three straight seasons he scored 19, 18 and 18. Across 2023-24 he managed 24.

And that is before you count up the goals he has provided for his team-mates.

Since his first season playing in Scotland's top flight, nobody has scored more than his tally of 83 Premiership goals. Former team-mate Alfredo Morelos and Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland are next in line, both strikers.

In fact, pull that start date all the way back to the 2000-01 campaign and only nine players have netted more Scottish top-tier goals than Tavernier.

He is equal with joint record holder Ally McCoist on 21 Rangers European goals. He is only 38 goals away from being included in Rangers' top 10 all-time record scorers.

He ended the 2021-22 Europa League campaign - which concluded with Rangers losing the final - as the competition's top scorer for the season.

And perhaps most staggering of all, with 152 goals overall in his career, he is the highest-scoring defender in the history of British football.

Tavernier has often been the fall guy at Rangers, which perhaps comes with the territory of wearing the armband at Ibrox, but these are numbers and longevity that would see most forwards leave as legends.

For Tavernier, his status as a legend is a touchy subject for some and a source of debate for others. A second Premiership title would go some way to ending that, though.