Barry Ferguson admits Rangers ' penalty in their Scottish Cup win over Dundee was "very, very soft."
The Premiership champions cruised into the semi-finals with Connor Goldson and Fashion Sakala finding the net either side of Tavernier's spot-kick.
He converted after Dundee defender Ryan Sweeney brought him down in the box with referee Steven McLean pointing to the spot.
Ferguson believes his old team had luck on their side as it was soft.
But he praised Tavernier for stepping up and hammering in his 12th goal of the season and his second penalty in as many games.
He said on Go Radio: "The Dundee player does move towards Tavernier, but if I'm being brutally honest it was a very, very soft penalty.
"But you've got to go up and put it in the back of the pokey. What a penalty again, similar to what he did against Red Star on Thursday night.
"Another great penalty. Tavernier looks like he's playing with so much confidence and I'm happy for him because in the past he's come in for a bit of unfair criticism.
"But now he's showing he's a proper leader and his performances have been top class.
Record Sport columnist Ferguson also gave his view on Aaron Ramsey who made his long-awaited return to the side.
He reckons the Juventus loanee showed "glimpses" of what he can do, and insists getting minutes in his legs was a major positive.
Ferguson added: "He showed glimpses. We all know how good a player he is, I think he's top quality.
"He lacks a bit of fitness but that's natural when he hasn't played a lot of football.
"You saw some of his touches and some decent passing. That 90 minutes will do him the world of good.
