‘TAV’S GOAL SHOWS HE’S TOP CLASS’

STEVEN GERRARD hailed James Tavernier for the “world-class” goal that kept Rangers on course for the Scottish Premiership title.

Tavernier’s free-kick opener (above, celebrating with Scott Arfield) and Connor Goldson’s header earned the runaway leaders a 2-1 win at Dundee United.

That kept Rangers 13 points clear of champions Celtic, who have two games in hand.

Gers boss Gerrard (enjoying the victory, below) said of skipper Tavernier: “His form since the start of the season has been sensational.

“To get the ball to dip with that amount of power from that distance, it doesn’t matter who you are, it is a world-class finish.” Tavernier added: “I enjoyed that. Twenty goals was my target for the season and I’ve already equalled my record of 17.”

Liam Smith volleyed home a United leveller in a game where Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos seemed fortunate not to have seen red.

The striker escaped with a yellow card after elbowing Mark Connolly in the face early on.

United manager Micky Mellon said: “I wouldn’t want any other manager trying to get my players sent off – that’s for other people.”

Celtic saw off Kilmarnock 2-0 at Parkhead for a first league win in more than a month.

Mohamed Elyounoussi’s deflected strike opened the scoring just before the hour and Shane Duffy’s header made sure.

That lifted off some of the pressure on under-fire manager Neil Lennon, who said: “That was a lot better. It was a good all-round team performance.

“The last few games here we’ve been a bit anxious. There was none of that today. I’m just disappointed we didn’t win by more.

“Again, it’s small steps in the right direction. There is still a lot to do and there is still a long way to go in the season.”