Tav: Windass will get fans back on side

IT wasn’t quite Cammy Fraser flashing the V-sign at Rangers supporters.

But Josh Windass might still have to carry out a bit of bridge building after seeming to gesture to the same fans to be quiet, which is what the finger to mouth gesture does tend to mean, after scoring for Rangers at Firhill on Tuesday night.

Like the bold Cammy all those years ago, Windass has become an easy target for some. Indeed, even during the 2-0 win over Partick Thistle, the groans whenever he made a mistake seemed louder than those aimed at any of his team-mates who made an error.

For those unaware of Fraser, it was his bad fortune to be a Ranger during the early 1980s when crowds were almost as low as the expectations.

And in December 1984, during a home match against St Mirren, Fraser scored and then gave the viccies to the Rangers fans who had bothered to turn up.

There is always one player who gets it and Windass’s “crime” is to be inconsistent. To be fair to the Englishman, he’s hardly alone there.

“It’s just about consistency with games for Josh,” said James Tavernier, who himself can blow hot and cold. Sometimes in the same match.

“You’ll see his performances shine out and now he’s adding goals to his game. Tuesday was a good game for him and hopefully he can take that on to the next one.

“Josh has got goals in him. He’s a quick player, good with his feet and has really good ability. He’s a good lad and he’s good to have in our team.”

Windass sums up this current Rangers side. You never know what you’re going to get.

Beating Partick Thistle, with every due respect, is hardly a season highlight, but at Firhill, Graeme Murty’s players showed a level of commitment which has been absent in too many games.

Tavernier’s attitude could never be faulted. His decision-making, on the other hand, can be questionable. The penalty he conceded against Hibernian last weekend being a case in point.

And then at Maryhill the right-back, who is really a winger, had a terrific game, topped with a superb goal which any striker would be proud of.

“I was really happy with the goal,” said Tavernier. “I was a bit more disappointed with the chance I had before that, cutting inside in the box but not being able to finish. However, I’m just delighted with the response from the boys and getting the three points.

“I was very disappointed with myself on the day [against Hibs]. But it’s something you’ve just got to get out of your head as soon as possible. That’s what I did. The next day I was back to myself and just knew I had to focus for this game.”

One player who has been pretty consistent is Daniel Candeias who, slightly under the radar, is enjoying a fine first season in Scotland.

“I’ve got nothing but praise for Daniel,” said Tavernier. “From the first time he came in he’s worked hard for the team and I can’t speak highly enough about him.

“I think he’s got the highest assist numbers in the team. He’s got a great cross in him and he works hard for the lads. I’m really happy with Daniel.”