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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Stewart Wilson

Rangers manager makes 'real captain' James Tavernier admission and confirms 'no bids'

James Tavernier has continued to act like a "real captain", according to Rangers manager Philippe Clement

The Light Blues captain has received mass criticism for his role in the latest Old Firm defeat but it appears he's still got the backing of his gaffer. 

Tavernier, 32, has been on Rangers' books since 2015 and Clement understands how the right-back is deemed the symbol of his teams fortunes. 

However, he's backed the player to remain focused on performing during matches whilst helping the Ibrox newbies integrate into the squad. 

"In moments the team does not perform, the captain is always the first one that fans point to," Clement said ahead of Rangers' Scottish Premiership clash against Dundee United on Sunday. 

"If you're captain you are a symbol of the team. I was at Brugge for 10 years and captain like Tav. I had these moments and it's part of being captain. He is very motivated. We can understand the disappointment after an [Old Firm defeat].

"I have to say he is very mature and motivated to get results.

"It's easy to be captain in the moments when everything is going well. The real captains are the ones who keep you moving forward in difficult moments. That is what Tav has been doing, driving forward the team and helping the new guys with their integration."


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There has been much discussion about the defender's Rangers future, with a transfer to Turkey or Saudi Arabia even suggested when the window in the United Kingdom slammed shut last month. 

But Clement has stood firm by reiterating that there's been no concrete offers for his skipper.

"There were no offers," the Belgian confirmed. "I have read so many times... there has never been an offer."

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