Penalty problem has been addressed, says McAllister
GARY McALLISTER yesterday suggested that James Tavernier has been relieved of his duties as Rangers’ penalty taker. The Ibrox skipper struck the upright in his side’s victory over Motherwell on Sunday — to compound misses from 12 yards against Progres Niederkorn and Feyenoord in the Europa League.
Ahead of tonight’s trip to face Ross County in the Premiership, Ibrox No 2 McAllister suggested the time had come for another player to shoulder the responsibility. ‘It would be unwise for me to give any clues to the people in Dingwall about who’s going to be taking penalties but it’s an issue that’s been sorted,’ said McAllister. ‘I’ve been a penalty misser and it’s part of the territory. There are greater players than James or me who have missed penalties. ‘Some of the greatest players on the world scene have missed
penalties. It takes strength of character, when the next one comes around, to step forward. But there does come a moment — and I’ve had penalties taken off me — when the situation arises. ‘His record has been very good — recently not so good — and we’ve addressed it, but I don’t want to give that away.’ Culpable for goals conceded in open play against Young Boys and Hearts, Tavernier’s woes from the penalty spot have added up to his most challenging period since he moved to Rangers four years ago. Stressing that the players and the coaching staff retained the utmost faith in his ability, McAllister added: ‘From the minute we arrived here, Tavernier has been robust. He has been available for almost every game and training session. He has had some criticism but he will come through it and we fully trust the guy. He has our full backing. He is a top player.’ Seeking to ensure his side remain level on points with Celtic at the top of the table, manager Steven Gerrard will wait until the last possible minute before deciding whether to risk three players tonight. ‘Brandon Barker took a blow (against Motherwell),’ said McAllister. ‘He is a doubt but we think he might have an outside chance of making it. ‘Allan McGregor also took a blow but we are hopeful he will make it. ‘Ryan Kent is someone we are managing from his previous injury.’ Meanwhile, Jermain Defoe has reiterated his desire to remain at Ibrox beyond this season. The 37-year-old is on loan from Bournemouth and a player-coaching role at Ibrox beyond next summer has been suggested. Asked if he wanted to stay at Ibrox, Defoe said: ‘Yeah, of course. I’ve said that many times. I’m playing with top players. I’m enjoying it. I’m getting chances to score goals. ‘And I believe that it’s only a matter of time before we achieve something special.’