HIBS KEEP THEIR HOPES ALIVE WITH DRAW

over his future to one side to score in the 3- 1 Europa League win over Maribor at Ibrox as Rangers took a significant step towards the play- off round.

Gerrard said: “James was magnificent. Look, good players get attention from other clubs. I don’t appreciate that attention 24 hours before a big game. I’d like a phone call off of big Darren [ West Brom manager, Moore] at some point.

“But listen, I’ve been in the game a long time and good players attract attention and things like that happen and to be fair, he handled it very well and that was probably his strongest performance so far.

“I’m a big fan. He’s got ability, he’s got power – there is more to come from James. I think he still has gears to go into.

“For me, he can play in the Premier League no problem. But I noticed when I walked in that he is a leader and a very likeable guy in the dressing room. People respect him.

“He has been through a lot of turbulence in his time at the club but handled it very well.

“James knows what I think of him. It was a big decision to make him captain of this football club.

“I speak to him every day. He has had my full backing and full support. I want James Tavernier here as long as I am here.”

Josh Windass, meanwhile, has played his last game for the Light Blues after clinching a switch to Wigan Athletic just before the deadline.

Gerrard said: “Wigan got to a number the board were happy with and the board put the decision in mine and Mark’s hands.

“I spoke to Josh this morning and asked him what he wanted to do and he made it clear he wanted to speak to Wigan.”