James Tavernier has been a constant figure at Rangers through multiple managerial eras.
He’s often criticised by sections of the Ibrox support yet continues to retain the faith of the men in charge.
And his former boss Steve Evans believes the Ibrox captain could even slot seamlessly into the current Celtic side. A team that sits 13 points ahead of Rangers in the Scottish Premiership and have been competing in the UEFA Champions League this season.
Evans, who managed Tavernier during a loan spell at Rotherham United in 2013, insists the experienced right-back is the only Rangers player who would make it into Brendan Rodgers’ starting XI.
Speaking to The Scottish Sun, he said: “I signed James here as a young man, on loan initially from Newcastle. We were League One trying to get to the Championship.
“He’s a very lively boy, very confident. He was just sensational for us here.
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“It’s not a surprise to me he’s had the career he’s had…talented, technically, magnificent.
“He’d be good at Celtic, eh? I’ve told him that. Can you imagine him playing in that team?
“I’m a massive Celtic fan and I think I can sit here and say if you picked the best of the Celtic team and the best of the Rangers team, for me there’s only one player in the Rangers team who gets into the Celtic team…
“Johnston’s terrific…but James Tavernier would be sensational in that Celtic team.
“He’s phenomenal, although defensively he can improve.”
Tavernier, now in his tenth season at Ibrox, has made almost 500 appearances for Rangers since joining from Wigan Athletic in 2015.
He has captained the club to Scottish Premiership and cup triumphs, as well as leading them out in a Europa League final.
Despite Rangers’ ongoing transition in the dugout with ex-captain Barry Ferguson currently taking the helm on an interim basis, Tavernier’s leadership remains pivotal. So, Evans is in no doubt the 33-year-old would shine just as brightly on the other side of Glasgow.
