RANGERS v ROSS COUNTY
The failure to get his hands on silverware has brought some stinging criticism about Tavernier’s mentality but his manager has never faltered in his backing.
It hasn’t gone unnoticed and the right back insisted his fine form is just the start of payback time for Gerrard and the coaching crew.
Tavernier said: “As a player you always want the gaffer and management team sticking by you and they’ve done that since they came in the door.
“They’ve given me the responsibility of captaining this great club and it’s my job to repay their faith in me.
“They’ve given me great confidence and belief in me. Criticism is part and parcel of being a footballer, you get criticism, you get plaudits, you need to take it in your stride.”
There’s nothing but praise for Tavernier coming from Gerrard right now.
The manager has been blown away by the captain’s start to the season and he wants the flying full back to keep it up for the rest of the campaign.
Gerrard said: “He’s looking like the powerhouse we know we can be.
“He returned hungry and his
BY MICHAEL GANNON application and return from lockdown has really impressed me.
“The challenge now is to maintain that standard, James really deserves the Player of the Month accolade.”
Tavernier has hit form in periods in the past at Ibrox but he admitted that it’s hard to top his current run of performances.
He’s relishing life at Rangers right now and playing with a smile is bringing out his best.
Tavernier said: “I’d say my form is definitely up there. I’m enjoying my football at the minute.
“The other night’s game was such a great team performance. I was impressed with my own performance but I still want to improve and make myself better. It’s the team and the management behind it. I’m playing with a great group of lads, not just the starting XI, there’s a depth of quality in the squad and the game plan the management team have put in place helped me excel.
“The combination of everything benefits my playing style.
“I’m loving playing every minute. The gaffer gives us a platform, he pushes us on and I’m playing with a great group of boys.
“That helps my game so much. I’m just loving my football at the moment but will keep taking it in my stride.
“My main focus is on helping the team to get to where we need to be.
“That’s the second goal Borna Barisic has laid on a plate for me.
“It might have taken a slight deflection but he has fantastic delivery and he keeps on putting balls in for the lads. I’m just happy to contribute and help the team.”
Tavernier has another European campaign to savour on the back of last term’s success.
Gerrard’s men are quietly confident about the draw with Portuguese big guns Benfica the toughest test in a section that also includes Belgians Standard Liege and Lech Poznan from Poland.
Tavernier said: “I’m excited about the group. Benfica are a great name. Their stadium hosted the Champions League Final so I’m looking forward to going out there.
“It’s the Europa League, they all come with different tests and we are excited to be in there.
“All of the boys are relishing it. You always want to get the big names.”
Tavernier lapped up the Galatasaray