Tavernier insists there can be no hangover from Livingston flop

JAMES TAVERNIER insists Rangers must target back-to-back wins this week to cast off their Livingston misery and close in on Hearts at the top of the Premiership. The Ibrox captain was bitterly disappointed by Sunday’s 1-0 loss at the Tony Macaroni Arena, leaving his side still without an away Premiership win since February. A chance to atone arrives in Thursday evening’s Europa League visit from Rapid Vienna, as Steven Gerrard’s men look to build on the 2-2 draw at Villarreal. Then, on Sunday, Rangers host Hearts, needing a win over the early pace-setters to eat into an eight-point deficit. ‘We can only look at it game-by-game,’ said Tavernier. ‘We have the Europa League on Thursday and will be looking for a positive result. Then we have to look at taking maximum points off Hearts. ‘There shouldn’t be any margin for error. It’s a long season and we need to try and win every game to catch the top teams.’ Rangers have won all three home Premiership fixtures this term — scoring 11 goals — but have just two points from 12 on their travels. Late concessions condemned them to draws at Aberdeen and Motherwell, prior to 1-0 defeats against both Celtic and Livingston. But Tavernier claims there is no psychological issue playing away. ‘We got a positive result at Villarreal and were unlucky not to win,’ he added. ‘Aberdeen was unfortunate. We conceded right at the end with ten men. The issue isn’t playing away. ‘On Sunday, we weren’t clinical, didn’t create enough and didn’t test the keeper. It was a disappointing performance and we dropped three points. ‘There’s no excuses. Rangers need to be a team creating chances in every game.’